A 6-year-old boy presents with a red watery right eye and a firm tender node just anterior to the right tragus. Follicular conjunctivitis due to adenovirus is diagnosed. The enlarged node corresponds to which nodal group?
- A Jugulodigastric node
- B Retropharyngeal nodes
- C Preauricular (parotid) nodes ✓
- D Submandibular nodes
Correct answer: C. Preauricular (parotid) nodes
Explanation
The preauricular or parotid group lies on and in front of the tragus and drains the lateral parts of the eyelids, the conjunctiva, and the frontal region of the scalp. Conjunctival infections characteristically enlarge this node, giving the preauricular sign seen in adenoviral and viral conjunctivitis. Submandibular nodes drain the medial canthal area and nasal cavity, so they would not enlarge in pure conjunctival disease.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
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