Organ
Tracheobronchial lymph nodes
Mediastinal nodes around the central airway division
High-yield
Subcarinal nodes lie below the carina between the main bronchi. Hilar and paratracheal groups are related nodal stations, not interchangeable names for this one location.
Overview
These nodes receive lymph along routes from the lungs and central airways. Groups above and below the main bronchial division connect with hilar and paratracheal chains. Some drainage crosses the midline.
Reference facts
- Location
- Around the tracheal bifurcation and proximal main bronchi in the mediastinum
- Parts
- Superior right and left tracheobronchial groups and an inferior subcarinal group, connected with adjacent nodal chains
- Drains from
- Pulmonary and central-airway lymphatic routes, commonly through bronchopulmonary nodes
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Toward paratracheal and bronchomediastinal pathways; terminal duct or venous connections vary
- Function
- Filters regional lymph and supports immune responses to material arriving from the lungs and airways
Clinical correlation
These nodes may be sampled when investigating or staging thoracic disease. Enlargement can reflect infection, inflammation or malignancy; size alone does not establish the cause.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the tracheobronchial lymph nodes located?
The tracheobronchial lymph nodes lie around the tracheal bifurcation and proximal main bronchi in the mediastinum.
What do the tracheobronchial lymph nodes do?
Filters regional lymph and supports immune responses to material arriving from the lungs and airways.
What are the parts of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes?
Superior right and left tracheobronchial groups and an inferior subcarinal group, connected with adjacent nodal chains.
How do the tracheobronchial lymph nodes drain?
Toward paratracheal and bronchomediastinal pathways; terminal duct or venous connections vary.