The Lymphatic Drainage of the Head and Neck

Question 1

What are the 6 major groups of lymph nodes in the head?

Answer 1

Pre-auricular, submental, submandibular, mastoid (behind ear), occipital and superficial cervical

Question 2

Where do the lymphatic ducts drain into?

Answer 2

Venous angles

Question 3

Where are the 7 anatomical levels of the neck?

Answer 3

I-under chin
II-below ear
III-below II
IV-below III
V-posterior triangle
VI-middle below I
VII-clavicle level

Question 4

What is a neck dissection?

Answer 4

Surgical procedure involving removal of deep cervical lymph nodes and their surrounding tissues when cancer invades the cervical lymphatics

Question 5

What are sentinal lymph nodes?

Answer 5

The first lymph node to drain a particular region is known as the sentinal lymph node, surgical sampling can help determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes to find the most appropriate treatment