The submental lymph nodes are a few small nodes just under the chin, lying on the mylohyoid between the two anterior bellies of the digastric muscles (level IA). They drain the most central structures of the lower face and mouth.
| Location | Submental triangle, on the mylohyoid between the anterior bellies of the digastric muscles, below the chin |
|---|---|
| Receives lymph from |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
Filter lymph from the midline structures of the lower face and anterior mouth.
Lymph from the tip of the tongue and centre of the lower lip can drain to both sides, so cancers here may spread to nodes on either side of the neck. Submental nodes enlarge with infections of the lower incisors and lip. They are palpated in the midline under the chin with the head flexed.
Enlarged nodes under the chin from infections of the lower lip, lower front teeth or chin skin.
Spread of squamous cell carcinoma from the central lower lip, which often drains to submental nodes first.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
