Anatomy & Histology · single question
Lymphatic drainage from the posterior tongue goes to which lymph node group?
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Correct answer: C. Deep cervical lymph nodes
- A. INCORRECT — Supraclavicular nodes receive drainage from thoracic organs and the lower neck; posterior tongue does not drain here primarily.
- B. INCORRECT — Submandibular lymph nodes primarily drain the anterior tongue (anterior two-thirds), floor of mouth, and mandibular teeth.
- C. CORRECT — The posterior tongue (base of tongue, posterior third) drains primarily to the DEEP CERVICAL lymph nodes (specifically the jugulodigastric/jugulo-omohyoid nodes). This is clinically significant because tongue base cancers frequently metastasize here.
- D. INCORRECT — Parotid lymph nodes drain the parotid gland, external ear, and adjacent skin — not the tongue.
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