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Lymph nodes of the neck
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The head and neck hold an enormous lymphatic network: more than 300 nodes. Lymph nodes are immune system stations that lymph passes through; lymph is the fluid that seeps out into the spaces between tissues.
The route follows a set order. It starts at the base of the skull and runs down along the jugular chain, which lies right against the internal jugular vein, the big vein in the neck: a row of stations hanging from that vein. To make them easier to locate, these nodes are grouped into levels. The submental group, for example, the one that sits under the chin, drains the skin of the chin, the middle part of the lower lip, and the front part of the tongue.
There is one detail that explains why it matters so much which group is involved. The chains are strongly lateralized: as long as there is no disease, the ones on the right side do not usually drain across to the ones on the left. That is why the involved group points to where the problem is coming from.
In brief
The head and neck hold a lymphatic network of over 300 nodes.
Drainage begins at the skull base and runs down the jugular chain, alongside the internal jugular vein.
A row of stations hanging from the big vein in the neck.
Nodes are grouped into levels; the submental group drains the chin, the midline lower lip, and the front of the tongue.
The chains are strongly lateralized and usually do not cross side to side unless disease is present: the involved group points to the site of origin.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingAnatomy, Head and Neck, Lymph Nodes, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated