Organ
Jugulodigastric (tonsillar) node
Prominent upper jugular node receiving tonsillar lymph
High-yield
Tonsillar inflammation can enlarge this node, which explains its alternative name, the tonsillar node. It is not necessarily the highest node in the entire deep cervical chain.
Overview
The jugulodigastric node lies near the crossing of the posterior digastric belly and internal jugular vein, below the mandibular angle. It is a prominent member of the upper jugular group and an important destination for palatine tonsil and oropharyngeal lymph.
Reference facts
- Location
- Near the posterior digastric belly and upper internal jugular vein, below and behind the angle of the mandible.
- Parts
- A named node or prominent nodal group within level II, rather than an invariant single uppermost node.
- Drains from
- Particularly the palatine tonsil, with drainage from adjacent oropharyngeal and posterior tongue regions.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Efferents connect with other deep cervical nodes and collecting vessels toward the jugular trunk.
- Function
- Provides regional lymph filtration and immune surveillance for the tonsillar and neighboring pharyngeal tissues.
Clinical correlation
A persistent unexplained upper neck mass can reflect oropharyngeal malignancy as well as other disease. Absence of smoking or heavy alcohol use does not exclude cancer, including HPV-associated disease; tenderness and size alone are not diagnostic.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the jugulodigastric (tonsillar) node located?
The jugulodigastric (tonsillar) node lies near the posterior digastric belly and upper internal jugular vein, below and behind the angle of the mandible.
What does the jugulodigastric (tonsillar) node do?
Provides regional lymph filtration and immune surveillance for the tonsillar and neighboring pharyngeal tissues.
What are the parts of the jugulodigastric (tonsillar) node?
A named node or prominent nodal group within level II, rather than an invariant single uppermost node.
How does the jugulodigastric (tonsillar) node drain?
Efferents connect with other deep cervical nodes and collecting vessels toward the jugular trunk.