Imaging of the Cervical Lymph Nodes: Anatomy and Pathology.

The lymphatic system in the head and neck includes superficial nodes around the head, superficial cervical nodes along the external jugular vein, and deep cervical nodes along the internal jugular vein, spinal accessory nerve, and transverse cervical artery, as well as nodes in the retropharyngeal space. This article reviews cervical lymph node anatomy and drainage patterns and summarizes the diagnostic criteria for pathologic nodes.