Lymphatic System

Centimeter ruler

image Skin-marking pencil

EXAMINATION

The lymphatic system is examined by inspection and palpation, region by region, during the examination of other body systems, as well as with palpation of the spleen.

Lymph Nodes Most Accessible to Inspection and Palpation

The more superficial the node, the more accessible it is to your palpation.

“Necklace” of Nodes

Parotid and retropharyngeal (tonsillar)
Submandibular
Submental
Sublingual (facial)
Superficial anterior cervical
Superficial posterior cervical
Preauricular and postauricular
Occipital
Supraclavicular

Arms

Axillary
Epitrochlear (cubital)

Legs

Superficial superior inguinal
Superficial inferior inguinal
Occasionally, popliteal

TECHNIQUE FINDINGS
HEAD AND NECK
Inspect visible nodes
Ask if patient is aware of any lumps. UNEXPECTED:Edema, erythema, red streaks, or lesions.
image
Palpate superficial nodes; note size, consistency, mobility, tenderness, warmth
Bend patient’s head slightly forward or to side. Palpate gently with pads of second, third, fourth fingers.  
HEAD AND NECK
image Occipital nodes at base of skull
image Postauricular nodes over mastoid process
image Preauricular nodes in front of ears
image Parotid and retropharyngeal nodes at angle of mandible
image Submandibular nodes between angle and tip of mandible
image Submental nodes behind tip of mandible
EXPECTED:Nodes accessible to palpation but not large or firm enough to be felt.
UNEXPECTED:Enlarged, tender, red or discolored, fixed, matted, inflamed, or warm nodes; increased vascularity.
image
NECK
image Superficial cervical nodes at sternocleidomastoid
image Posterior cervical nodes along anterior border of trapezius
image Deep cervical nodes along anterior border of trapezius
EXPECTED:Nodes accessible to palpation but not large or firm enough to be felt.

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Mar 25, 2017 | Posted by in PHYSIOLOGY | Comments Off on Lymphatic System

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