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Ultrasound anatomy of lymph nodes of the neck
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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In searching for lymph nodes in the neck, it is helpful to divide it into anatomical regions that can be sequentially studied using the ultrasound method. The submental triangle is located along the midline of the neck from the hyoid bone to the chin and is externally limited by the anterior bellies of the digastric muscle. Next to it is the submandibular triangle, which is limited by the anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle and the lower jaw. The lymph nodes of both regions are called first-order nodes in surgical practice. Next, the lymph nodes along the internal jugular vein are examined, which are considered to be second- and third-order nodes if the examination is carried out in the craniocaudal direction.
The outer triangle of the neck is limited by the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the anterior edge of the trapezius muscle and the clavicle - lymph nodes of the 5th order - and includes the supraclavicular fossa. The anterior triangle of the neck goes from the hyoid bone to the subclavian fossa and is laterally limited by the sternocleidomastoid muscle (IV order). The study is completed by visualization of the nuchal and mammillary lymph nodes.