Lymph from the posterior third of the tongue drains primarily to which nodes?

Correct answer: B. Deep cervical (jugulo-omohyoid and jugulodigastric) nodes, often bilaterally

• A. The submental nodes receive drainage from the tip of the tongue.
• B. Correct. The posterior tongue drains bilaterally to the deep cervical chain. This bilateral drainage is precisely why posterior tongue carcinomas present with contralateral or bilateral nodal spread and carry a worse prognosis.
• C. Parotid nodes drain the scalp, ear and lateral face, not the tongue.
• D. The submandibular nodes drain the lateral anterior tongue.