THE LYMPH GLANDS AND VESSELS OF THE THORAX 603 



superficiales) lie on the anterior border of the anterior deep pectoral muscle, in 

 relation to the omo-hyoideus internally and the mastoido-hunieralis externally 

 (Figs. 431, 441, 466). They are on the course of the ascending branch of the in- 

 ferior cervical artery. They receive afferents from the neck, breast, shoulder, and 

 arm. Their efferents pass to the prepectoral glands. 



The tracheal ducts, right and left (Ductus trachealis dexter, sinister), are col- 

 lecting trunks for the lymph of the head and necik. They lie on the trachea in 

 relation to the carotid arteries. The right one goes to the prepectoral glands or 

 to the right lymphatic duct, the left one to the terminal part of the thoracic duct. 



THE LYMPH GLANDS AND VESSELS OF THE THORAX 



1. The intercostal lymph glands (Lg. intercostales) are small and are situated 

 at the sides of the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae, in series corresponding to the 

 intercostal spaces. They receive afferents from the vertebral canal, the spinal 

 muscles, the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and pleura. The efferent vessels go 

 to the thoracic duct. 



In the young subject these glands are more numerous than in the adult, and there are also 

 glands along the dorsal face of the thoracic aorta which seem to disappear later. 



2. The anterior mediastinal lymph glands (Lg. mediastinales craniales) (Fig. 

 428) are numerous. Some are situated on the course of the brachial arteries and 

 their branches; on the right side they are related deeply to the trachea, on the l(»ft 

 to the oesophagus also. They are variable in size and disposition and are continuous 

 in front with the prepectoral glands. Other glands lie along the ventral face of 

 the trachea on the anterior vena cava and the right atrium of the heart; these are 

 continuous behind with the bronchial glands. A few glands usually occur along the 

 dorsal surface of the trachea, and there is often one at the angle of divergence of 

 the brachiocephalic trunk. The afferent vessels come chiefly from the pleura, 

 the pericardium, the heart, the thymus or its remains, the trachea, and the oesopha- 

 gus. Their efferent vessels pass to the prepectoral glands and the thoracic duct. 



The glands along the ventral face of the trachea are frequently enlarged and usually pig- 

 mented in dissecting-room subjects. The left recurrent nerve lies above them on the ventral 

 face of the trachea. 



3. The bronchial lymph glands (Lg. bronchiales) are grouped around the 

 terminal part of the trachea and the bronchi. One group lies on the upper surface 

 of the l)ifurcation of the trachea and is continued a short distance backward under 

 the oesophagus (Fig. 428). Others lie below the trachea and bronchi and also 

 occupy the angle between the aortic arch and the pulmonary artery, concealing 

 the left recurrent nerve and often covering the vagus in this part of its course. 

 Small glands occur along the chief bronchi in the substance of the lungs (Lg. pul- 

 monales). They receive the deep and most of the superficial lymph vessels of the 

 lungs, and the efferents from the posterior mediastinal glands. Their efferent 

 vessels go to the thoracic duct and the anterior mediastinal glands. The deep 

 lymph vessels of the lung arise in plexuses which surround the terminal bronchi 

 and accompany the bronchi to the root of the lung. The superficial vessels form 

 a rich network under the pleiu'a; most of them pass to the bronchial glands. 



The bronchial glands are conmionly pigmented except in young sul:ijects and are often 

 enlarged and indurated. 



4. The posterior mediastinal lymph glands (Lg. mediastinales caudales) are 

 usually small and are scattered along the posterior mediastinum above the oesopha- 

 gus. They receive afferent vessels from the oesophagus, mediastinum, diaphragm, 

 and liver. The efferents go to the bronchial and anterior mediastinal Ijaiiph glands, 

 partly to the thoracic duct directly. 



