Description
The anterior cervical lymph nodes are a group of nodes found in the anterior part of the neck, medial to sternocleidomastoid muscle. They are grouped into superficial and deep nodes. The deep group are more numerous and are found closely related to the larynx and thyroid gland.
The superficial group run in a vertical line in the anterior neck, specifically in the infrahyoid region. They drain the skin and more superficial structures, as well as the isthmus of the thyroid gland. As expected, the deep nodes drain the deeper structures of the anterior neck, specifically the larynx, thyroid and trachea, after which they are named.
Regardless of their origin, all of these nodes drain either directly or indirectly into the internal jugular nodes and on to the supraclavicular nodes and jugular trunk, eventually terminating in the thoracic duct on the left or right lymphatic duct.
Related parts of the anatomy
