Lymph nodes in the armpit, also known as axillary lymph nodes, are small, bean-shaped organs located in the armpit area. They are part of the lymphatic system, which helps fight infections and drain lymph fluid from nearby tissues. These lymph nodes are grouped into several levels and groups based on their location within the armpit:
- Levels of axillary lymph nodes:
- Level I (low axilla): Located in the lower part of the armpit.
- Level II (mid axilla): Located in the middle part of the armpit.
- Level III (high axilla): Located in the upper part of the armpit near the breastbone (sternum)
- Groups of axillary lymph nodes:
- Anterior (pectoral) group: Along the lower border of the pectoralis minor muscle.
- Posterior (subscapular) group: In front of the subscapularis muscle.
- Lateral group: Along the medial side of the axillary vein.
- Central group: In the center of the axilla within axillary fat.
- Infraclavicular (deltopectoral) group: Outside the axilla, in the groove between the deltoid and pectoralis major muscles.
- Apical group: At the apex of the axilla near the first rib
These lymph nodes receive lymph fluid from the breast, chest wall, upper limbs, and surrounding tissues. They play a crucial role in filtering lymph and are clinically significant, especially in breast cancer staging
. To physically locate and check lymph nodes in the armpit, you can lift your arm slightly and use your opposite hand to feel around the central area of the armpit, along the front and back borders, and along the inner border of the upper arm near the armpit
. In summary, lymph nodes in the armpit are situated throughout the armpit area, from the lower to the upper parts near the chest, arranged in specific groups and levels that correspond to their anatomical position within the axilla
