Cranial mediastinal lymph nodes
Lymphonodi mediastinales craniales
- Related terms: Cranial mediastinal lymph nodes (Mediastinal lymph center)
Definition
The cranial mediastinal lymph nodes are lymph nodes located in the cranial part of the mediastinum within the thoracic cavity. They belong to the thoracic lymphatic center and participate in the lymphatic drainage of nearby mediastinal and thoracic structures.
They are located dorsal to the sternum and ventral to the trachea and the major vessels of the cranial mediastinum, generally near the tracheal bifurcation and the thymus in young animals. Their number and size may vary depending on the species.
These lymph nodes receive lymph from the trachea, esophagus, thymus, pericardium, bronchi, and parts of the mediastinum and thoracic wall, before draining into the mediastinal lymphatic trunks and the thoracic lymphatic ducts.
References
Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2017.
König HE, Liebich HG. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Mammals: Textbook and Colour Atlas. 6th ed. Schattauer; 2020.
Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2013.
