Lymphatic Drainage Of Head and Neck Region Flashcards
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system in the head and neck?
To drain 15% of interstitial fluid, absorb lipids/fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), remove plasma proteins, and clear tissue debris.
Which structures in the head and neck are not drained by lymphatics?
Brain, inner ear, cornea, lens, bone marrow, and cartilage.
Name the superficial horizontal group of lymph nodes in the head/neck.
Submental, submandibular, buccal, parotid, mastoid (postauricular), occipital.
What is the final destination of all lymphatic drainage in the head and neck?
Deep cervical nodes (DCN), which then drain into the jugular lymphatic trunks (right lymphatic duct or thoracic duct).
Which lymph nodes form the deep horizontal group (Waldeyer’s ring)?
: Pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids), tubal tonsils, palatine tonsils, lingual tonsil.
What is the clinical significance of the jugulodigastric node?
It drains the tongue and palatine tonsils; enlargement may indicate infections or malignancies.
Where does lymph from the posterior 1/3 of the tongue drain?
Dorsal vessels → deep cervical nodes (jugulodigastric/jugulo-omohyoid).
How does lymph from the scalp and face drain?
No LNs in the scalp; face drains into parotid, submandibular, or submental nodes. Superficial lymphatics follow veins; deep lymphatics follow arteries.
Where does lymph from the upper lip drain?
Submandibular lymph nodes.
How does lymph from the apex of the tongue drain?
Marginal vessels → submental, submandibular, and jugulo-omohyoid nodes.
What complications may arise during a tonsillectomy?
Bleeding (external palatine veins, tonsillar arteries) or glossopharyngeal nerve injury.
Why is the deep cervical chain critical in malignancies?
It’s the final drainage pathway; metastases often spread here.
What does bilateral drainage of the tongue’s midline imply clinically?
Tumors near the midline may metastasize to both sides of the neck.
Which lymph nodes drain the middle part of the lower lip?
Submental lymph nodes.
What is unique about lymphatic drainage of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses?
They drain into upper deep cervical nodes (e.g., retropharyngeal nodes).
How do lymphatics from the pharynx drain?
Into retropharyngeal and deep cervical nodes (jugulodigastric).
Which lymph nodes are associated with the external jugular vein?
Superficial vertical group (along the vein’s course).
Which lymph node is palpated below the mandible near the midline?
Submental node.
Where does lymph from the orbit and salivary glands drain?
Parotid and submandibular nodes → deep cervical chain.
What is the jugulo-omohyoid node’s significance?
Drains the tongue tip (apex) and is part of the inferior deep cervical group.
Which lymph nodes lie along the internal jugular vein (IJV)?
Deep cervical nodes (superior/inferior groups).
Why might supraclavicular lymphadenopathy be ominous?
It may indicate metastases from abdominal/thoracic malignancies (e.g., Virchow’s node).
Which head/neck structures lack lymphatics, making infections here rarely spread via lymph?
Brain, inner ear, cornea, lens, bone marrow, cartilage.
What is the role of MALT in Waldeyer’s ring?
Immune surveillance (antibody formation) for inhaled/ingested pathogens.
How do deep vs. superficial lymphatics in the face differ in course?
.
A: Superficial follow veins; deep follow arteries
What is the final common pathway for all head/neck lymph before entering venous circulation?
Right lymphatic duct (right side) or thoracic duct (left side) → venous angle.
Which lymph node group filters lymph from the scalp behind the ear?
Mastoid (postauricular) nodes.
Why might submandibular lymphadenopathy occur with oral infections?
These nodes drain the oral cavity (e.g., teeth, gums, anterior tongue).
What is the primary drainage route for the larynx?
Prelaryngeal, pretracheal, and paratracheal nodes → deep cervical chain.
