Anatomy
Cluster/group of nodes, in armpit. Afferent vessels bring lymph from arm, thoracic walls, breast, upper parts of abdominal walls. Efferent vessels pass filtered lymph on via the Subclavian Trunk to the Lymphatic (Thoracic) Duct; R empties into the R Subclavian Vein, L into L Brachiocephalic (aka Innominate) Vein, each through semilunar valves (which prevent intrusion of venous blood).
Clinical
Axillary nodes are removed in radical (modified, Halsted or extended) mastectomy. 500-600 lymph nodes in body in total. In absence of tumour/infection/inflammation, size range from few mms to few cms. Oval.
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