A deep cervical lymph node biopsy along the internal jugular vein reveals metastatic squamous carcinoma. The jugulodigastric node in the upper deep cervical group most commonly drains which primary site?
- A Thyroid gland
- B Tonsil ✓
- C Tongue apex
- D Submental region
Correct answer: B. Tonsil
Explanation
The jugulodigastric node (also called the tonsillar node) lies below the digastric muscle at the angle where the common facial vein joins the internal jugular vein. It is the principal draining lymph node of the palatine tonsil and posterior tongue. Enlargement of this node is a classic sign of tonsillitis or tonsillar malignancy. The thyroid primarily drains to the prelaryngeal and pretracheal nodes.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.