LYMPHATIC

DRAINAGE
OF THE HEAD & NECK
Dr Ibrahim
 Learning Objectives

1. Describe the lymphatic pathway of the head and neck

2. Name the regional lymph nodes in the Neck
3. Name regional nodes to which diseases of head and neck would spread
 Lymphatic drainage of Head and neck
• What do you understand by lymphatics, lymph vessels, lymph nodes?
 Lymphatic drainage of Head and neck
Pathway
• Superficial Vessels
• drain the scalp, face and neck into
the superficial ring of lymph nodes at
the junction of the neck and head.
• Deep Vessels
• arise from the deep cervical lymph
nodes to form the left and right
jugular lymphatic trunks
 Lymphatic drainage of Head and neck
Pathway
• Left jugular lymphatic trunk – combines
with the thoracic duct at the root of the
neck. This empties into the venous system
via the left subclavian vein.
• Right jugular lymphatic trunk – forms the
right lymphatic duct at the root of the
neck. This empties into the venous system
via the right subclavian vein.
 Lymphatic drainage of Head and neck
Lymph nodes.
• Superficial Lymph Nodes
• The superficial lymph nodes of the head
and neck receive lymph from the scalp,
face and neck.
• They are arranged in a ring shape;
extending from under the chin, to the
posterior aspect of the head.
• They drain into the deep lymph nodes.
 Lymphatic drainage of Head and neck
Lymph nodes.

• Occipital
• Mastoid
• Pre-auricular (Parotid)
• Submental
• Submandibular
• Facial (buccal)
• Superficial Cervical
 Lymphatic drainage of Head and neck
• Deep Lymph Nodes
• receive all the lymph from the head
and neck – either directly or
indirectly via the superficial lymph
nodes.
• a vertical chain, located within close
proximity to the internal jugular vein
within the carotid sheath.
• The efferent vessels from the deep
cervical lymph nodes converge to
form the jugular lymphatic trunks.
 Lymphatic drainage of Head and neck
Waldeyer’s Ring
• Waldeyer’s tonsillar ring refers to
the collection of lymphatic tissue
surrounding the superior pharynx.
This lymphatic tissue responds to
pathogens that may be ingested or
inhaled. The tonsils that make up
the ring are as follows:

• Lingual tonsil.
• Palatine tonsils.
• Tubal tonsils.
• Pharyngeal tonsil
Lymphatic drainage
Putting it ALL together
Thoracic duct drains lymph from:
• Lower half of body (Abdomen, lower limbs)
• Left side of thorax
• Left upper limb
• Left half of head and neck

Right lymphatic duct drains lymph from:

• Right side of thorax
• Right upper limb
• Right side of head and neck