Upper quadrants drain into which lymph nodes?

• A. Popliteal
• B. Axillary
• C. Cervical
• D. Inguinal

Answer: (B)

Lymph from the upper part of the body, especially the upper limbs and the surrounding chest wall, drains primarily into the axillary lymph nodes. These nodes collect lymph from the arm through the brachial nodes and from the chest wall and breast via the pectoral (anterior) and other nearby groups, then channel it onward toward the subclavian trunk and ultimately into the venous system. In contrast, the other options serve different regions: popliteal nodes drain the lower leg behind the knee, inguinal nodes drain the lower abdomen, groin, and legs, and cervical nodes drain the head and neck. Therefore, the upper quadrants drain into the axillary nodes.