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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