Lymphatic Drainage of the Thorax

• 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.

• 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.

• Lie on the thoracic surface of the diaphragm.
• Receive lymph from the pericardium, diaphragm, and liver.
• Drain into the sternal and posterior mediastinal nodes.