The lateral cervical triangle consists of which lymph nodes?

• A. Inguinal lymph nodes
• B. Axillary lymph nodes
• C. Deep cervical lymph nodes
• D. Popliteal lymph nodes

Answer: (C)

Lymph nodes in the neck are organized into deep and superficial groups, with the deep cervical nodes forming a chain that runs along the internal jugular vein through the deeper tissues of the neck. The lateral (posterior) cervical triangle is where these deep cervical lymph nodes reside, making it the neck region that contains this group of nodes. They drain many structures in the head and neck, such as the pharynx, tonsils, and parts of the tongue, and filter lymph before it continues toward central drainage. The other options refer to lymph nodes located in the groin, armpit, and behind the knee, which are not part of the neck and thus not part of the lateral cervical triangle.