The lymph nodes in your neck, known as cervical lymph nodes, are grouped in several regions around key anatomical landmarks:
- Submental lymph nodes : Located in the submental triangle under the chin, above the mylohyoid muscle, draining lymph from the chin and lower lip.
- Submandibular lymph nodes : Situated below the jawbone (mandible) in the submandibular triangle, they collect lymph from the face below the eyes and the mouth.
- Superficial anterior cervical lymph nodes : Found near the anterior jugular vein in the front of the neck.
- Deep anterior cervical lymph nodes : Positioned deeper in the front of the neck.
- Superficial lateral cervical lymph nodes : Located more laterally (side of the neck).
- Deep lateral cervical lymph nodes : Adjacent to the internal jugular vein, these nodes are subdivided into superior and inferior groups and receive most lymph from the head and neck.
- Accessory lymph nodes : Located near the accessory nerve on the lateral neck.
- Supraclavicular lymph nodes : Found just above the collarbone.
- Retropharyngeal lymph nodes : Situated behind the pharynx (throat area).
The deep cervical lymph nodes run along the internal jugular vein, deep under the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and are the main drainage points for lymph from the head and neck. Lymph from these nodes eventually drains into the jugular lymphatic trunk and then into the venous system near the collarbone
. To feel your neck lymph nodes, you can gently press under the sternocleidomastoid muscle by tilting your head to the side to relax the muscle. Lymph nodes in the neck can feel like small, pea-sized lumps and are found in the areas described above
. In summary, lymph nodes in the neck are distributed in superficial and deep groups around the jaw, along the internal jugular vein, near the collarbone, and behind the throat, playing a crucial role in filtering lymphatic fluid from the head and neck region
