# What is the lymphatic vessels of the thorax?

Gray’s Anatomy (1918) describes the lymphatic vessels of the thorax as follows: The lymph glands of the thorax may be divided into parietal and visceral—the former being situated in the thoracic wall, the latter in relation to the viscera.

## What it means

- The lymph glands of the thorax may be divided into parietal and visceral—the former being situated in the thoracic wall, the latter in relation to the viscera. The parietal lymph glands include the sternal, intercostal, and diaphragmatic glands. 1. The Sternal Glands ( lymphoglandulæ sternales; internal mammary glands ) are placed at the anterior ends of the intercostal spaces, by the side of the internal mammary artery.
- They derive afferents from the mamma, from the deeper structures of the anterior abdominal wall above the level of the umbilicus, from the upper surface of the liver through a small group of glands which lie behind the xiphoid process, and from the deeper parts of the anterior portion of the thoracic wall.
- Their efferents usually unite to form a single trunk on either side; this may open directly into the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins, or that of the right side may join the right subclavian trunk, and that of the left the thoracic duct.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/lit-hub/anatomy-of-the-human-body/7-the-lymphatic-vessels-of-the-thorax/)

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