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[Lymphatic system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/lymphatic-system/) · [Upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/)

# 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.

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## 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 points

- Their efferents pierce the clavipectoral fascia to reach the [apical axillary nodes](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/apical-axillary-nodes/) (a few go to the supraclavicular nodes)
- With the supratrochlear nodes, the only superficial node stations of the [upper limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/upper-limb/)

## 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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pectoralis-major-muscle/)

**Above**
[Clavicle](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/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.

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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

- [Cephalic vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cephalic-vein/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomía humana (4.ª ed.), tomo 1, cap. 61: Vasos y ganglios linfáticos del miembro superior.

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/infraclavicular-nodes/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/infraclavicular-nodes/