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The lymph nodes are widely distributed in the body. They are localized in groups as regional nodes. Nodes are located in the axillary and inguinal regions to gather lymphatic flow from the limbs. There are large groups of nodes around the digestive track in the abdomen and around the trachea and bronchi. Nodes are also located in large number in the head and neck. Lymphatics often follow blood vessels.
The superficial inguinal nodes are located just inferior to the inguinal ligament along the course of the great saphenous vein. See cross section.
Within the abdomen and pelvis, nodes follow the iliac system. Nodes within the pelvis lie along the pelvic walls.
Superiorly in the abdomen, nodes are located along the aorta and the vessels that supply the intestines.
In the chest, nodes are located along the bronchi and the trachea.
In the axilla, nodes follow the course of the axillary vessels.
In the neck, there are deep cervical nodes that follow the course of the internal jugular. They can be seen deep to the sternocleidomastoid on the cross section. Submandibular nodes are found in relation to the mandible.
In the head there a several groups of nodes running near the superficial veins. There are parotid nodes lateral and posterior to the mandible and mastoid nodes posterior to the ear.
The largest lymphatic vessel, the thoracic duct lies in the posterior mediastinum between the aorta and the azygos vein. See small brown profile to the right of the aorta in the cross section.