ABSORBENT SYSTEM OF THE HEAD AND NECK 301 



THE LYMPHATICS OF THE UPPER LIMB 



These consist of a superficial and a deep set, both converging 

 to the axillary glands. The former have a somewhat similar 

 distribution to that of the veins, some entering the infracla- 

 vicular glands; the latter correspond to the deep bloodvessels, 

 communicate with the superficial lymphatics near the wrist, 

 traverse the glands around the brachial artery near the elbow, 

 and end in the axillary. 



The axillary nodes are ten to twelve in number, and lie 

 mostly along the axillary vessels; but some, the pectoral, sub- 

 scapular, and infraclavicular, occupy the positions indicated 

 by their names. The efferent vessels from all these glands 

 run along the subclavian vein, and may unite into a single 

 axillary lymphatic trunk. They finally reach the thoracic 

 or right lymphatic duct respectively; or they may enter the 

 subclavian vein directly. 



The superficial lymphatics of the chest drain the lymph from 

 the pectoral muscles, skin, and mamma, and together with 

 some superficial abdominal lymphatics enter the axillary glands. 

 Those from the back converge from all parts to reach the axillary 

 glands. 



THE ABSORBENT SYSTEM OF THE HEAD AND NECK 



This consists of the following: 



One or more suboccipital nodes on the complexus send 

 branches to the cervical nodes. 



Several mastoid nodes over the insertion of the sternomastoid. 



Some parotid nodes, beneath the parotid fascia and embedded 

 in the node, receive superficial temporal lymphatics, and send 

 branches to the submaxillary and superficial cervical nodes. 



The internal maxillary nodes, deep beneath the ramus of the 

 jaw, around the artery and side of the pharynx, with branches 

 to the deep cervical nodes. 



Eight or ten submaxillary nodes beneath the base of the 

 jaw drain the lymph from the floor of the mouth and the 

 salivary glands and from the parotid lymphatic nodes. The 

 efferent vessels join the superficial and deep cervical nodes. 



