The superficial lymphatics of the upper limb begin in the fingers ; two lymphatic vessels ascend from the palmar surface of each finger and form an arch in the palm. Two ascend from the back of each finger, and form a network on the dorsum of the hand. They pass up and thickly cover the forearm and arm, and proceed to the axillary glands.

The deep lymphatics correspond to the deep bloodvessels in their course up the forearm and arm. They also terminate in the axillary glands. The superficial and deep set of lymphatics communicate with each other.

Fig. 42. Lymphatics of Upper Limb

There are ten or twelve lymphatic glands in the axilla, disposed in three groups; those that receive the ascending lymphatics lie close to the axillary vessels ; those that receive the lymphatics from the chest lie along the border of the pectoralis minor muscle; those that receive the lymphatics from the back lie along the lower border of the subscapularis muscle.