Subscapular axillary lymph nodes: Difference between revisions

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== Subscapular Axillary Lymph Nodes ==
{{Infobox anatomy
| Name        = Subscapular axillary lymph nodes
| Latin        = nodi lymphoidei axillares subscapulares
| Image        = Gray607.png
| Caption      = Lymph nodes of the axillary region
}}


The subscapular axillary lymph nodes are a group of lymph nodes located in the axilla (armpit) region. They play a crucial role in the immune system by filtering and trapping foreign substances, such as bacteria and cancer cells, that may enter the body through the upper limb and breast regions. In this article, we will explore the anatomy, function, and clinical significance of the subscapular axillary lymph nodes.
The '''subscapular axillary lymph nodes''' are a group of lymph nodes located in the axillary (armpit) region. They are part of the [[lymphatic system]], which plays a crucial role in the body's immune response by filtering lymph fluid and trapping pathogens, cancer cells, and other foreign particles.


=== Anatomy ===
==Anatomy==
The subscapular axillary lymph nodes are situated along the posterior wall of the axilla, near the subscapular vessels. They are typically found beneath the [[subscapularis muscle]], which is part of the [[rotator cuff]] of the shoulder. These nodes receive lymphatic drainage from the posterior thoracic wall and the scapular region.


The subscapular axillary lymph nodes are situated in the posterior (back) part of the axilla, beneath the subscapularis muscle. They are divided into two main groups: the anterior subscapular nodes and the posterior subscapular nodes.
==Function==
The primary function of the subscapular axillary lymph nodes is to filter lymph fluid that drains from the back and the posterior aspect of the shoulder. They play a vital role in the immune system by trapping and destroying pathogens and cancer cells. These nodes are part of the larger group of [[axillary lymph nodes]], which are divided into several groups based on their location and the areas they drain.


The anterior subscapular nodes are located along the lower border of the subscapularis muscle. They receive lymphatic drainage from the anterior chest wall, including the breast, and the upper limb. These nodes are responsible for filtering lymphatic fluid from these regions.
==Clinical significance==
The subscapular axillary lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infections, inflammatory conditions, or malignancies such as [[breast cancer]]. Enlargement of these nodes can be detected through physical examination or imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI. In cases of breast cancer, the status of the axillary lymph nodes, including the subscapular group, is an important factor in staging the disease and determining the appropriate treatment.


The posterior subscapular nodes, on the other hand, are positioned along the posterior border of the subscapularis muscle. They receive lymphatic drainage from the posterior chest wall and the upper back. These nodes also play a crucial role in filtering lymphatic fluid from these areas.
==Also see==
* [[Axillary lymph nodes]]
* [[Lymphatic system]]
* [[Breast cancer]]
* [[Subscapularis muscle]]


=== Function ===
==References==
* Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). ''Clinically Oriented Anatomy''. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
* Standring, S. (2015). ''Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice''. Elsevier Health Sciences.


The subscapular axillary lymph nodes, like other lymph nodes in the body, serve as filters for the lymphatic system. Lymphatic fluid, which contains waste products, foreign substances, and immune cells, flows through the lymphatic vessels and eventually reaches the lymph nodes.
{{Lymphatic system}}
{{Anatomy of the human body}}


Within the subscapular axillary lymph nodes, lymphatic fluid is filtered and foreign substances, such as bacteria and cancer cells, are trapped. Immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, are also present in these nodes and help in the identification and elimination of harmful substances.
[[Category:Lymphatic system]]
 
[[Category:Anatomy]]
The filtered lymphatic fluid then continues its journey through the lymphatic system, eventually returning to the bloodstream. This process helps maintain the body's immune response and prevents the spread of infections or cancerous cells.
 
=== Clinical Significance ===
 
The subscapular axillary lymph nodes are of significant clinical importance, particularly in the diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. Breast cancer cells can spread to the axillary lymph nodes through the lymphatic vessels, indicating a more advanced stage of the disease.
 
During breast cancer diagnosis, a procedure called sentinel lymph node biopsy is often performed. This involves identifying and removing the first few lymph nodes that receive drainage from the breast. If cancer cells are found in these nodes, it suggests that the cancer has spread beyond the breast and may require further treatment.
 
Furthermore, the enlargement or swelling of the subscapular axillary lymph nodes can be an indication of an underlying infection or inflammation in the upper limb or breast region. In such cases, a healthcare professional may perform additional tests to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
 
=== Conclusion ===
 
The subscapular axillary lymph nodes are an essential part of the immune system, responsible for filtering lymphatic fluid from the upper limb and breast regions. Their anatomical location and function make them crucial in the diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. Understanding the role and clinical significance of these lymph nodes can aid in the early detection and management of various conditions related to the axilla and surrounding areas.
 
== References ==
1. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice, 41st Edition. Susan Standring (Editor). Elsevier.
2. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 9th Edition. Vinay Kumar, Abul K. Abbas, Jon C. Aster. Elsevier.<br>{{stub}}
{{dictionary-stub1}}

Latest revision as of 02:40, 11 December 2024

General Information
Latin nodi lymphoidei axillares subscapulares
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes


The subscapular axillary lymph nodes are a group of lymph nodes located in the axillary (armpit) region. They are part of the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in the body's immune response by filtering lymph fluid and trapping pathogens, cancer cells, and other foreign particles.

Anatomy[edit]

The subscapular axillary lymph nodes are situated along the posterior wall of the axilla, near the subscapular vessels. They are typically found beneath the subscapularis muscle, which is part of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. These nodes receive lymphatic drainage from the posterior thoracic wall and the scapular region.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the subscapular axillary lymph nodes is to filter lymph fluid that drains from the back and the posterior aspect of the shoulder. They play a vital role in the immune system by trapping and destroying pathogens and cancer cells. These nodes are part of the larger group of axillary lymph nodes, which are divided into several groups based on their location and the areas they drain.

Clinical significance[edit]

The subscapular axillary lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infections, inflammatory conditions, or malignancies such as breast cancer. Enlargement of these nodes can be detected through physical examination or imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI. In cases of breast cancer, the status of the axillary lymph nodes, including the subscapular group, is an important factor in staging the disease and determining the appropriate treatment.

Also see[edit]

References[edit]

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2015). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.



Template:Anatomy of the human body