Lymphatic Drainage of the Thorax

Lymphatic Drainage of the Thorax Sternal or parasternal (internal thoracic) nodes Are placed along the internal thoracic artery. Receive lymph from the medial portion of the breast, intercostal spaces, diaphragm, and supraumbilical region of the abdominal wall. Drain into the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. Intercostal nodes Lie near the heads of the ribs. Receive lymph from the intercostal spaces and the pleura. Drain into the cisterna chyli or the thoracic duct. Phrenic nodes Lie on the thoracic surface of the diaphragm. Receive lymph from the pericardium, diaphragm, and liver. Drain into the sternal and posterior mediastinal nodes. ◄.....Go back to the Gross Anatomy homepage