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Ultrasonic anatomy of the lymph nodes of the neck
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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In the search for the lymph nodes of the neck, it helps to divide it into anatomical areas, which can be consistently studied by the ultrasound method. The sub-chin triangle is located along the midline of the neck from the hyoid bone to the chin and is bounded externally by the anterior abdominal muscles of the digastric muscle. Next to it is a submandibular triangle, which is bounded by the anterior and posterior abdominal muscles of the digastric muscle and the lower jaw. The lymph nodes of both regions are called first-order sites in surgical practice. Next, the lymph nodes along the internal jugular vein are examined, which are considered to be nodes of the II-III order if the study is carried out in the craniocaudal direction.
The outer triangle of the neck is bounded by the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the anterior margin of the trapezius muscle and the clavicle - the lymph nodes of the V order - and includes the supraclavicular fossa. The anterior triangle of the neck goes from the hyoid bone to the subclavian fossa and is laterally bounded by the sternocleidomastoid muscle (IV order). The study is completed by visualization of the lynx and mastoid lymph nodes.