Thoracic lymph node stations are the regions of the body where lymph nodes are located. These regions are usually situated in the axilla, chest, neck, and abdomen. Thoracic lymph nodes are separated into stations depending on the region they are located in. The Radiopaedia is an online encyclopedia that is used to understand the different thoracic lymph node stations and their locations.
The thoracic lymph node stations, as defined by the Radiopaedia, are divided into two groups: the intra-thoracic nodes and the extra-thoracic nodes. The intra-thoracic nodes are further divided into three main stations: the axillary, the mediastinal, and the anterior mediastinal. The axillary station is located in the axilla, or armpit, and includes the axillary nodes that drain the arm and chest wall. The mediastinal station includes the nodes located in the mediastinum, or the area between the lungs, and includes the hilar, subcarinal, and paratracheal nodes. The anterior mediastinal station includes the nodes located in the anterior mediastinum, which is the area at the front of the chest cavity.
The extra-thoracic nodes are divided into four main stations: the cervical, the anterior triangle, the posterior triangle, and the supraclavicular. The cervical station includes the nodes located in the neck, including the submandibular, jugular, and submental nodes. The anterior triangle station includes the nodes located in the anterior triangle of the neck, and includes the submental, submandibular, and anterior jugular nodes. The posterior triangle station includes the nodes located in the posterior triangle of the neck, and includes the posterior jugular, superior deep cervical, and transverse cervical nodes. Finally, the supraclavicular station includes the nodes located in the supraclavicular fossa, and includes the subclavian nodes.
The Radiopaedia also details the lymphatic drainage of the thoracic lymph node stations. The axillary station drains the arm and chest wall, while the cervical station drains the head, neck, and thorax. The mediastinal station drains the lungs and tracheobronchial tree, and the anterior mediastinal station drains the thymus. The anterior triangle station drains the head and neck, and the posterior triangle station drains the posterior neck and superior thorax. The supraclavicular station drains the superior thorax and upper limb.
Thoracic Lymph Node Stations Radiopaedia: Table of Lymph Nodes
| Station | Location | Lymph Nodes | Lymphatic Drainage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axillary | Axilla | Axillary | Arm, Chest Wall |
| Cervical | Neck | Submandibular, Jugular, Submental | Head, Neck, Thorax |
| Mediastinal | Mediastinum | Hilar, Subcarinal, Paratracheal | Lungs, Tracheobronchial Tree |
| Anterior Mediastinal | Anterior Mediastinum | Thymic | Thymus |
| Anterior Triangle | Anterior Triangle of Neck | Submental, Submandibular, Anterior Jugular | Head, Neck |
| Posterior Triangle | Posterior Triangle of Neck | Posterior Jugular, Superior Deep Cervical, Transverse Cervical | Posterior Neck, Superior Thorax |
| Supraclavicular | Supraclavicular Fossa | Subclavian | Superior Thorax, Upper Limb |
The Radiopaedia also provides anatomical illustrations of the thoracic lymph node stations. These illustrations show the location of the lymph nodes in relation to other structures such as the lungs, trachea, and other organs. By understanding the location of the lymph nodes and their respective lymphatic drainage, it is possible to better understand and diagnose conditions that involve the thoracic lymph nodes.
The Radiopaedia provides an invaluable resource for understanding thoracic lymph node stations. By understanding the location, structure, and lymphatic drainage of the thoracic lymph nodes, it is possible to better diagnose and treat conditions that involve these nodes. Whether you are a medical student or a medical professional, the Radiopaedia is a great source of information for understanding thoracic lymph node stations.