HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which of the following nodes drain the head and neck area?

1. Lymph nodes in the arms

2. Submandibular, deep cervical, submental, and jugulodigastric nodes

3. Thoracic nodes

4. Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar nodes

The correct answer is: Submandibular, deep cervical, submental, and jugulodigastric nodes

The drainage of the head and neck area is specifically associated with certain groups of lymph nodes. Among these, the submandibular, deep cervical, submental, and jugulodigastric nodes play crucial roles in collecting lymphatic fluid from the facial region, oral cavity, throat, and regional lymphatics. The submandibular nodes are located beneath the mandible (jawbone) and are responsible for draining the submandibular gland and adjacent structures. Deep cervical nodes are arranged along the internal jugular vein and are involved in draining lymph from deeper structures of the neck, the thyroid gland, and the larynx. The submental nodes, positioned beneath the chin, primarily drain the floor of the mouth and parts of the tongue. The jugulodigastric node, also known as the tonsillar node, is significant for draining lymph from the tonsils and parts of the oropharynx. In contrast, the other options do not directly relate to the head and neck lymphatic drainage. The lymph nodes in the arms do not serve the upper body region, the thoracic nodes pertain mainly to the chest area, and the combination of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar nodes encompasses a broader range of lymph