Subscapular Axillary Lymph Nodes

nodi lymphoidei axillares subscapulares

The subscapular (posterior) axillary nodes are six or seven nodes on the posterior wall of the axilla along the subscapular vessels and the posterior axillary fold. They drain the back of the shoulder and upper trunk.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Secretions

Location	Posterior wall of the axilla along the subscapular and thoracodorsal vessels (level I)
Receives lymph from	Skin and muscles of the upper back and posterior shoulder Posterior neck and scapular region Posterior thoracic wall and back above the level of the umbilicus
Lymphatic drainage	Central axillary lymph nodes Apical axillary lymph nodes

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Filter lymph from the posterior shoulder and upper back.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

This group lies along the thoracodorsal neurovascular bundle, so the thoracodorsal nerve to latissimus dorsi must be protected during axillary clearance. It is palpated by pressing upward against the posterior axillary fold. Melanoma of the upper back often spreads here.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Back Skin Cancer Metastasis

Spread of melanoma or skin cancer from the upper back to the subscapular nodes.

Thoracodorsal Nerve Injury

Weakness of latissimus dorsi after nerve damage during dissection of this node group.

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