Lymph nodes and vessels of the head and neck

In this note, we are going to discuss the main lymph node groups of the head and neck, as well as the lymphatic drainage pathways from various tissues and organs in these regions.

Lymph nodes and vessels of the head and neck

The lymph nodes of the head are organized into several regional groups:

Occipital nodes are located posterior to the attachment of the sternocleidomastoid muscle along the occipital artery. They collect lymph from the skin and deep tissues of the occipital region. Lymph from these nodes drains into the lateral deep cervical nodes.

Mastoid nodes are found over the mastoid process, they collect lymph from the auricle and structures of the parietal region of the head. Lymph drains into the parotid, superficial cervical, and deep cervical nodes.

Parotid nodes are divided into superficial and deep nodes. The superficial nodes are located outside the capsule of the parotid gland. The deep nodes are found within the gland between its lobes.

Parotid nodes collect lymph from the parotid gland, skin of the forehead, external auditory canal, and adjacent structures.

Facial nodes are non-permanent and lie along the facial vessels, collecting lymph from the skin of the face, lips, and cheeks.

Key nodes in this group include: the buccinator node

and the mandibular node.

Lymph drains into the submandibular nodes.

Submental nodes are located in the submental triangle of the neck. They collect lymph from the mandible and the floor of the oral cavity.

Submandibular nodes are found anterior and posterior to the submandibular gland. They collect lymph from the teeth, gums, sublingual and submandibular glands, tonsils, and palate.

The lymph nodes of the neck are divided into several key groups:

Anterior cervical nodes, which are divided into superficial and deep nodes.

The superficial nodes collect lymph from the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the anterior neck region.

The deep nodes are classified into several groups based on their associated organs:

Thyroid nodes
Prelaryngeal nodes
Pretracheal nodes
Paratracheal nodes

These deep nodes collect lymph from the larynx, trachea, thyroid gland, and some muscles.

Lateral cervical nodes, which are divided into superficial and deep groups.

The superficial lateral nodes are located along the external jugular vein. They collect lymph from the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the lateral neck region.

The deep lateral nodes are located along the internal jugular vein. They collect the majority of lymph from the organs of the head and neck.

The biggest nodes of this group include:

The jugulodigastric node, which plays a critical role in draining lymph from the oral cav ity, pharynx, and tongue.

The juguloomohyoid node, which is important for lymph drainage from the tongue.

Retropharyngeal nodes are located in the retropharyngeal space. They collect lymph from the pharynx, tonsils, and soft palate, directing it to the deep lateral nodes.

Accessory nodes are typically located along the external branch of the accessory nerve, collecting lymph from the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

Supraclavicular nodes are situated above the clavicle. They collect lymph from the thoracic organs, breast, and neck organs.

From peripheral tissues and organs, lymph initially flows into the regional lymph nodes of the head.

It then flows into the cervical nodes, predominantly the deep lateral cervical nodes.

Then it continues its flow into the right and left jugular trunks.

The right jugular trunk drains into the right lymphatic duct.

The left jugular trunk merges with the thoracic duct.

In some cases, the jugular trunks may drain directly into the venous angles.

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