Lymph Nodes in the Neck

The lymph nodes in the neck are part of lymphatic system which spread through out the body except the nervous system. The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system. It is a one way network of lymph capillaries, lymph ducts, lymph nodes and special organs such as the spleen, tonsils, adenoids, appendix, thymus glands and bone marrow. The clear, colorless liquid called lymph is collected in spaces known as interstitial spaces, between body tissues, after it gets filtered out of blood vessels.

The lymph is carried from interstices by the lymph capillaries, lymph ducts and lymph nodes, back to the blood circulatory system. Lymph nodes found in the neck and elsewhere in the body along with the special organs, filter lymph in order to combat pathogens such as, bacteria and viruses. The Lymph nodes are bean-shaped and contain lymphocytes which are white blood cells. These nodes are normally grouped in the groin, under the armpits and on both side of the neck.

Location of Lymph Nodes in The Neck
Different types of lymph nodes are found in the neck area, which are collectively called cervical lymph nodes. The following is a list of the six types of lymph nodes that are found in the neck:

• Anterior cervical lymph nodes: are located directly above and beneath the muscles which enable you to flex and rotate your head.
• Posterior cervical lymph nodes: are present at the back of your neck.
• Tonsillar lymph nodes: can be found right below your jaw bone.
• Submandibular lymph nodes: underlines both sides of your lower jaw.
• Submental lymph nodes: located immediately below your chin.
• Supraclavicular lymph nodes: are present in the hollow of the collar bone.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in The Neck
Pain in the lymph nodes in the neck, are generally associated with infectious diseases. However, the swelling of lymph nodes in the neck can be due to various conditions. If you want to know what causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck, go through the following list of conditions:

• Common cold
• Upper respiratory infection
• Mononucleosis
• Sore throat
• Strep throat
• Viral infection
• Tuberculosis
• Tonsillitis
• Rubella
• HIV
• AIDS
• Toxoplasmosis
• Peritonsillar abscess
• Epiglottitis
• Sinus infection
• Ear infection
• Cancers: (Larynx cancer, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, Leukemia)

A patient with the infected lymph nodes in the neck may suffer from fever, however, not all infections cause discomfort to a patient. A patient may also develop enlarged lymph nodes in the neck while an ear infection may cause swollen lymph nodes behind the ear.

How to Check for Swollen Lymph Nodes in The Neck
It is most likely that a patient suffering from swollen lymph nodes in the neck has contracted some form of throat infection due to viral or bacterial attacks. Strep throat is one of the leading throat infections caused by bacteria. If a sample of one's throat culture who is suffering from strep throat, is sent to the laboratory, it may reveal the cause of infection of the lymph nodes. Swelling of lymph nodes that are situated deeper under the skin surface may cause the swelling of a limb due to, blockage of the flow of lymph through it. A doctor may recommend a blood test, CT scan and an X-ray of the neck. A doctor might also suggest you to undergo a biopsy to identify the causes of swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Lymph nodes in the neck along with those located in the other parts of the body, act as the first line of defense in protecting the body against micro-organisms. Nature takes special care of children that are in the age group of 10-12 by awarding them larger lymph nodes. The lymph nodes in these children are twice as large than that of an adult.