According to the level system of cervical lymph nodes used in neck dissection, level V nodes are located in which compartment?

• A Anterior belly of digastric to hyoid bone, between the bellies of digastric
• B Along the lower third of internal jugular vein, omohyoid to clavicle
• C Between carotid bifurcation and omohyoid around the jugular vein
• D Posterior triangle, bounded by sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and clavicle ✓

Explanation

Level V comprises the lymph nodes of the posterior triangle, including the spinal accessory chain and transverse cervical nodes, bounded by the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid, the anterior border of trapezius, and the clavicle. Levels IIA and IIB lie around the jugular vein between digastric and omohyoid, and level IV lies below the omohyoid, which excludes options B and C.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.