Anterior Cervical Lymph Vessels (Left)

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, with each cluster being interconnected by lymph vessels.

The superficial group of nodes and vessels 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 and vessels drain the deeper structures of the neck. They are categorized by location and divided into four groups, all which drain the deeper structures of the anterior neck, specifically the larynx, thyroid gland, and trachea.

Regardless of their origin, all of these vessels 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 (Földi et al., 2012).