Occipital lymph nodes
Organs of the immune system
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The occipital lymph nodes are a group of 1-3 superficial lymph nodes of the head situated in the occipital region that drain part of the scalp of the occiput.[1]
| Occipital lymph nodes | |
|---|---|
Superficial lymph glands and lymphatic vessels of head and neck. (Occipital glands labeled at center left.) | |
 Lymph nodes at surface:
Facial lymph nodes:
| |
| Details | |
| System | Lymphatic system |
| Drains from | Scalp, occiput |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nodi lymphoidei occipitales |
| FMA | 61214 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
They are situated at the margin of the trapezius and resting on the insertion of the semispinalis capitis.[citation needed]
Territory
Afferents
Afferents of occipital lymph nodes contribute to the drainage of the occipital region of the scalp (this region is also drained by a lymphatic vessel which passes along the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to drain directly into the inferior deep cervical lymph nodes).[2]
Efferents
Their efferents in turn drain into the superior deep cervical glands.[1][2]
Clinical examination
During physical examination, these nodes are examined by having the patient bend their head forward and bilaterally palpating the base of the side of the head.[1]
Additional images
Etymology
The word occipital comes from the Latin: occiput ("the back of the head").
