Corpus: Submandibular lymph nodes

The submandibular lymph nodes consist of 3 to 6 lymph nodes located within the tissues behind the mandible, in the area known as the submandibular triangle or submandibular space.

Positioned adjacent to the submandibular gland, the submandibular lymph nodes serve as primary filtering stations for lymph from the lymphatic ducts of the lower facial region, including the facial skeleton. Their drainage area encompasses the nose, upper lip, lateral portions of the lower lip, significant sections of the oral mucosa, and the anterior and lateral areas of the tongue. These nodes subsequently drain into the deep cervical lymph nodes.

The submandibular lymph nodes are easily palpable. To facilitate examination, the patient should tilt their head slightly downward to relax the neck muscles, specifically the platysma. The examiner, standing in front of the patient, places 2 to 3 fingertips on the floor of the mouth on either side, medial to the edge of the lower jaw. Applying gentle pressure, the fingers glide from the angle of the jaw towards the chin region, continuously massaging the tissue along the lower jaw. Any pathologically altered lymph nodes can be identified by noticeable swellings, which may vary in consistency from soft and elastic to firm and coarse. During inflammation, these nodes may also exhibit tenderness upon pressure.