Organ
Submandibular lymph nodes
Level Ib nodes surrounding the submandibular gland
High-yield
These nodes are generally periglandular. They should not be described as routinely embedded within salivary tissue as parotid nodes can be.
Overview
Submandibular nodes lie beneath the mandible in the fascial region around the submandibular gland and facial vessels. Their number and grouping vary. They collect lymph from much of the anterior oral cavity and face, as well as from some neighboring nodes.
Reference facts
- Location
- Submandibular triangle, around the submandibular gland and facial vessels below the mandibular body.
- Parts
- Variable groups forming level Ib; a fixed count is not an anatomical requirement.
- Drains from
- Cheek, portions of the lips and nose, gingivae and other anterior oral tissues, lateral anterior tongue, and efferents from facial or submental nodes.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Efferent channels pass toward the deep cervical nodes, especially the upper jugular region.
- Function
- Filters incoming regional lymph and supports immune responses to material from facial and oral tissues.
Clinical correlation
A lump beneath the jaw may arise from a lymph node, the salivary gland or another structure. Their close anatomical relationship can make localization by palpation alone uncertain.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the submandibular lymph nodes located?
The submandibular lymph nodes lie submandibular triangle, around the submandibular gland and facial vessels below the mandibular body.
What do the submandibular lymph nodes do?
Filters incoming regional lymph and supports immune responses to material from facial and oral tissues.
What are the parts of the submandibular lymph nodes?
Variable groups forming level Ib; a fixed count is not an anatomical requirement.
How do the submandibular lymph nodes drain?
Efferent channels pass toward the deep cervical nodes, especially the upper jugular region.