Subscapular axillary lymph nodes

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

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

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

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

• Axillary lymph nodes
• Lymphatic system
• Breast cancer
• Subscapularis muscle

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.