Anatomy & Histology · single question
Lymph from the POSTERIOR third of the tongue drains primarily to which nodes?
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Correct answer: A. The deep cervical (jugulodigastric) nodes, often bilaterally
- A. CORRECT. The posterior third of the tongue drains directly and BILATERALLY to the superior DEEP CERVICAL nodes, especially the jugulodigastric node. The bilateral drainage is clinically critical: a posterior tongue or base-of-tongue carcinoma can metastasize to the contralateral neck, which is why bilateral neck dissection is often required for these tumors.
- B. The SUBMENTAL nodes drain the tongue TIP, the lower lip, and the anterior floor of the mouth.
- C. Supraclavicular nodes represent distant spread (Virchow node on the left signals abdominal malignancy) rather than primary tongue drainage.
- D. The SUBMANDIBULAR nodes drain the lateral portions of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, along with much of the oral cavity.
Note: Tongue lymphatics: tip = submental; anterior 2/3 lateral = submandibular; posterior 1/3 = deep cervical, BILATERAL.
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