Anatomical review of the lymph nodes of the human mediastinum.

The anatomy of the lymph nodes of the human mediastinum was studied in 984 cases over a period of 17 years. Some findings in past publications were confirmed, but new data on nomenclature and location were obtained. Further, it has been possible to describe more clearly some groups and chains that are poorly defined in the classic literature, in the Nomina Anatomica and by more recent authors. Lymph gland groups have been found which have not apparently been previously described, so that the author proposes a new topographic division of the mediastinum which allows a more accurate localisation within the thoracic cavity. Twelve paired lymph node centres are defined (11 symmetric, one asymetric) and one single centre.