FUNCTIONAL AND CLINICAL ANATOMY OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. SUPERFICIAL AND DEEP LYMPH NODES LOCATION AND PROJECTION, MAIN LYMPHATIC FLOWS.

Abstract

This article is about functional and clinical anatomy of the lymphatic system. Superficial and deep lymph nodes location and projection, main lymphatic flows. The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic vessels and lymphoid organs such as the thymus, tonsils, lymph nodes and spleen. They contribute to acquired and innate immunity, filtration and drainage of interstitial fluid, and recycling of cells at the end of their life cycle. The fluid that leaks from the end-stage capillaries returns to the vascular system through the superficial and deep lymphatic vessels, which in turn empty into the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct. The right lymphatic duct runs along the medial border of the anterior scalene muscle and drains lymph from the right upper quadrant of the body. The thoracic duct starts from the cisterna chylae and has a very diverse anatomy. The right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct enter the right and left subclavian arteries, respectively, at the jugular venous angle.