Location of Lymph Nodes in the Neck

You must first understand what are lymph nodes with thorough sync before finding out the location of lymph node in the neck. The lymph node is a tiny, bean-shaped gland. This gland is located in different areas of the body, those being the neck, under the arms, and in the groin.

The body consists of over 300 filtering white blood cells that effectively filter and exacerbate foreign elements. These white blood cells are exclusive in performing this task. The lymph node is a component of lymphatic system. The function of the lymphatic system is to move the lymph node fluid, waste substance, and nutrients, throughout our bloodstream.

There are several lymph nodes in our system and each one of them proves their importance by functioning in a proper manner. Lymph nodes filter fluids, delete viruses, bacteria, and other foreign material. The unique white blood cells destroy the material that does not contribute to the system. The lymph nodes, when healthy, are not sensitive to touch.

The lymphocytes are the ones that collect and simultaneously destroy the bacteria and viruses that are found in the area of the body they are located. When your body is exposed to fight an infection, your lymphocytes will rapidly multiply and destroy the infection, which is on its way to development.

If you have always wondered why doctors check your lymph nodes, then the reason behind this is to analyze if your lymph nodes are swollen. Whenever you are sick, the medical practitioner will always check the area to ensure if the lymph nodes are functioning well.

The lymph nodes that are situated in the neck are referred to as the cervical lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are arranged in two categories:

They are located deep inside the rear part of your neck. This part of the neck helps to bend and flex your head. These lymph nodes drain the internal structures of your throat. They also drain your tonsils and your thyroid gland, as well.

They are situated at the back of your neck in one line. It begins from the middle of your head and continues till your shoulder bone. These are the glands that a medical practitioner checks when he believes that you may have a sinus infection. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may look enlarged whenever an upper respiratory infection is detected.

Below the face's largest and strongest bone, which forms your lower jaw and holds the pattern of your teeth in place, are called tonsillar lymph nodes. These are the lymph nodes responsible for the drainage of your tonsils and a particular section of your pharynx. Beneath the jaw i.e., inclusive of both sides of the jaw, there are sub-mandibular lymph nodes.

Their job is to drain any part of the floor of your mouth that gets infected. There are lymph nodes called submental lymph nodes, below the chin. These lymph nodes are responsible in handling the area where your teeth are located and any other part of your mouth that is located within your oral cavity.

Your supraclavicular lymph nodes are situated above your collarbone. These are the lymph nodes that will drain your chest and stomach when infected by the presence of bacteria.

If you have a swollen lymph node in the neck, and the swelling is not subsiding, your lymph nodes are not functioning efficiently. Swollen lymph nodes may be identified with prominent symptoms, such as a rise in body temperature, with the lymph nodes becoming sensitive to touch, especially the area under your ears.

It is an indicator of a respiratory infection, and could also be a responsible symptom of certain health conditions, such as throat infection, tonsillitis, ear infection, skin infection, and Hodgkin's disease.

If you have swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and they measure over 2 inches across, or if you observe that the skin looks pinkish; this is an indication that the lymph nodes are severely infected. It is time you contact your health professional immediately.