Infraclavicular nodes !
The infraclavicular (deltopectoral) nodes are one or a few small nodes under the collarbone beside the cephalic vein; they drain the thumb side of the arm.
Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed.
What it is
One to a few nodes in the groove between the deltoid and pectoralis major, beside the cephalic vein.
What it does
Filter the superficial lymph of the outer (thumb) side of the arm and pass it to the apical nodes.
Key facts
- Where
- Deltopectoral groove beside the cephalic vein
- Drains
- Superficial lymph of the lateral (thumb) side of the upper limb
- Into
- Apical axillary nodes
Relations
- Course
- Lymph vessels follow the cephalic vein up the lateral arm and the deltopectoral groove to reach them; their efferents dive through the clavipectoral fascia with the vein
- Lateral
- Deltoid
- Medial
- Clavicular head of pectoralis major
- Above
- Clavicle
- Deep
- Clavipectoral fascia, with the thoracoacromial vessels and the axillary vessels behind it
How to find it
In the deltopectoral (infraclavicular) triangle just below the clavicle, between deltoid and pectoralis major. Normal nodes are not felt; an enlarged one may be felt there beside the cephalic vein.
Common problems
- Can enlarge with infections of the thumb side of the hand or arm.
Clinical notes
- Can enlarge with infections or skin tumours of the thumb side of the hand and arm, sometimes before the axillary nodes
- Met in the deltopectoral approach to the shoulder and during cephalic vein cutdown for pacemaker leads
- Not the same as the 'infraclavicular' station of breast cancer staging, which means the level III (apical) axillary nodes; the two names are easily confused
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Where are the infraclavicular (deltopectoral) nodes?
In the upper deltopectoral groove just below the clavicle, beside the cephalic vein.
Which lymph do the infraclavicular nodes receive?
Superficial lymph that follows the cephalic vein from the thumb side of the hand, forearm and arm.
Into which nodes do the infraclavicular nodes drain?
Into the apical axillary nodes, through the clavipectoral fascia.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- nodi infraclaviculares; nodi deltopectorales TA2 5243
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Nódulos linfáticos infraclaviculares
- English (TA2)
- Infraclavicular nodes
- Also called
- deltopectoral nodes
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomía humana (4.ª ed.), tomo 1, cap. 61: Vasos y ganglios linfáticos del miembro superior.
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.