IBCLC Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The lymphatic drainage of the breast tissue primarily occurs through the axillary lymph nodes. This network serves as the main passage route for lymph fluid from the breast, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance and supporting immune function.

Understanding the anatomy and physiology of breast lymphatics highlights the significance of the axillary region as a key drainage site. The majority of lymph from the breast flows towards the axillary lymph nodes, which are situated beneath the arm and contribute to the immune response by filtering lymph fluid. This is particularly relevant when considering breast health, as cancer cells may spread through lymphatic pathways, often leading to metastasis to the axillary nodes first.

While other lymphatic nodes, such as the subclavian, accessory, and supraclavicular lymph nodes, also play roles in drainage, they typically receive lymph fluid from areas beyond the breast or from secondary sites. The axillary nodes are therefore recognized as the primary drainage nodes for breast lymphatics, making them critically important in both education and clinical practice regarding breast health and conditions such as breast cancer.