superficial lymphatic vessels (thorax)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The superficial lymphatics of the thorax drain the chest wall on its following aspects:

  • anterior; as with drainage of the breast:
    • medially - to axillary nodes
    • laterally - to internal thoracic nodes
  • posterior: into the posterior axillary - subscapular nodes
  • lateral: into the medial axillary - posterior pectoral nodes