Superficial Cervical Lymph Nodes

nodi lymphoidei cervicales superficiales

The superficial cervical lymph nodes lie along the external jugular vein on the outer surface of the sternocleidomastoid. Anterior superficial nodes along the anterior jugular vein are sometimes included. They form an intermediate link between the nodes of the scalp and face and the deep cervical chain.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Secretions

Location	Along the external jugular vein on the superficial surface of the sternocleidomastoid, deep to the platysma
Receives lymph from	Lower part of the auricle and parotid region Skin over the angle of the jaw and lateral neck Occipital and mastoid lymph nodes
Lymphatic drainage	Deep cervical lymph nodes

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Filter lymph from the superficial tissues of the neck and lower ear region.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

These nodes are easily felt when enlarged because they lie just under the skin and platysma. They swell with skin and scalp infections and are often involved in generalised lymphadenopathy, for example in glandular fever. Persistent enlargement warrants assessment for lymphoma or metastatic skin cancer.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Enlargement of neck nodes, most often reactive to infection, but sometimes due to lymphoma or metastatic cancer.

Infectious Mononucleosis

Epstein-Barr virus infection causing sore throat, fever and prominent enlarged cervical nodes, especially at the back of the neck.

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