An infected wound develops on the medial side of the dorsum of the right hand involving the little and ring fingers. Before axillary nodes enlarge, which intermediate node group may become palpable?

• A Infraclavicular nodes below the clavicle
• B Supratrochlear nodes in the cubital fossa laterally
• C Epitrochlear nodes behind the medial epicondyle ✓
• D Deltopectoral nodes in the deltopectoral groove

Explanation

Lymph from the medial forearm and the medial one and a half to two and a half fingers travels with the basilic vein to the epitrochlear (supratrochlear) nodes situated about 2 cm above the medial epicondyle behind the basilic vein. These then drain to the axillary nodes. Infections of the thumb and index finger drain directly up the cephalic system to infraclavicular and apical axillary nodes, bypassing the elbow.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.