Which axillary lymph nodes are most frequently palpable?

• A. Lateral nodes
• B. Posterior nodes
• C. Anterior nodes
• D. Central nodes

Answer: (D)

Palpation of axillary lymph nodes relies on their anatomical groups and drainage patterns. The central axillary nodes sit in the middle of the axilla and receive lymph from the other groups (lateral, anterior, and posterior). Because they are the primary hub for drainage from the upper limb and breast regions and lie in a central, relatively accessible pocket, they are the most commonly felt during a routine exam. When nodes enlarge from infection or malignancy, the central group is often the first to become noticeable, making them the easiest to palpate. The lateral nodes run along the lateral thoracic vessels and drain the arm; the anterior (pectoral) nodes drain the anterior chest wall/ breast; the posterior (subscapular) nodes drain the posterior chest wall/scapular area. These can be palpable but are not as consistently easy to detect as the central nodes.