where are lymph nodes in the neck

Lymph nodes in the neck are located along the anterior (front) and posterior (back) aspects of the neck, as well as under the jaw. They are distributed in groups that lie superficially near the skin following veins, and deeper ones near major blood vessels like the internal jugular vein, within the carotid sheath. The neck lymph nodes are classified into levels (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, etc.) corresponding to their anatomical positions. These nodes play a key role in filtering lymph fluid draining from the head and neck, and they can be palpated by gently pressing around the jawline, sides of the neck, and above the collarbone. The major clusters of nodes are found superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, both anterior and posterior to it, and deeper nodes exist near the trachea and larynx as well. This anatomical arrangement helps lymph nodes filter out pathogens and other harmful substances from lymph before it returns to the bloodstream.