Deep cervical lymph nodes

Structure

Classification

The deep cervical lymph nodes are subdivided into a superior group and an inferior group.

Alternatively, they can be divided into deep anterior cervical lymph nodes and deep lateral cervical lymph nodes.

They can also be divided into three groups: "superior deep jugular", "middle deep jugular", and "inferior deep jugular".

Relations

The deep cervical lymph nodes are contained in the carotid sheath in the neck, close to the internal jugular vein. They connect to the meningeal lymphatic vessels superiorly.

Afferents

All lymphatic vessels of the head and neck ultimately drain to the deep cervical lymph nodes - either by way of other lymph nodes or directly from tissues.

The deep cervical lymph nodes serve as the principal drainage site for both lymphatic fluid and cerebrospinal fluid carried by the meningeal lymphatic vessels of the central nervous system, making them the primary site of immune surveillance for CNS-derived antigens.

Efferents

Efferents of the deep cervical lymph nodes form the ipsilateral jugular trunk.