Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Information about the anatomy of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of chest wounds, injuries to ribs and sternum, and while performing diagnostic studies. In the present study, we investigated the anatomy of the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes of the thoracic cavity in humans.
Materials and Methods: The examination was performed on 60 cadavers of foetuses (25), new-born children (14), children (11), and adults (10). Lymphatic vessels of the rib periosteum, costovertebral, costotransverse, and sternocostal joints, as well as parietal lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes of the thoracic cavity were studied.
Results: The parietal lymph nodes of the thoracic cavity include parasternal, paramammary, intercostal, paravertebral, and upper diaphragm. The efferent lymphatic vessels of the periosteum and perichondrium of the first three ribs go to the intercostal lymph nodes, to the parasternal, paravertebral, and diaphragmatic lymph nodes. The regional nodes for the lymphatic vessels of the sternocostal joints are the parasternal, subclavian, supraclavicular, deep cervical, diaphragmatic, axillary, and superior mediastinal.
Conclusion: The presence of intercalated lymph nodes on the thoracic cavity is characteristic of the entire lymphatic system and should be considered in the pathology of the thoracic cavity.