Cranial sternal lymph nodes
Lymphonodi sternales craniales
- Related terms: Cranial sternal lymph nodes (Ventral thoracic lymph center)
Definition
The cranial sternal lymph nodes are lymph nodes located in the cranial part of the thoracic cavity, along the dorsal surface of the sternum. They belong to the ventral thoracic lymphatic center and participate in the lymphatic drainage of the ventral thoracic structures.
They are generally located near the internal thoracic vessels, within the ventral mediastinum, opposite the first sternebrae.
These lymph nodes receive lymph mainly from the ventral thoracic wall, the cranial diaphragm, the pericardium, and certain mediastinal structures, before draining into the mediastinal lymph nodes and the thoracic lymphatic trunks.
References
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Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2020.
König HE, Liebich H-G. Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Mammals: Textbook and Colour Atlas. 6th ed. Thieme; 2020.
Nickel R, Schummer A, Seiferle E. The Anatomy of the Domestic Animals. Vol 3: The Circulatory System, the Skin, and the Cutaneous Organs. Berlin: Parey; 1981.
