Levels of lymph node examination in Head & Neck

Lymphatic system is essential drainage system which is accessory to venous system. Since most tissue fluids formed at the arterial end of capillaries is absorbed back into the blood by venous end capillaries and rest of tissue fluid is absorbed by the lymphatics therefore lymphatic system may be regarded as drainage system of course type and venous system as fine type. Lymphatic system is the part of the immune system comprising a network of lymphatic vessel that carry a clear fluid called lymph in unidirectional pathway. It play a important role in the defense mechanism of the body. They filter out microorganisms such as bacteria and foreign substances such as toxins, ect. It plays a important role in redistribution of fluid in the body. Bacteria, toxins and other foreign bodies are removed from the tissues & plays a important role in maintenance of structural and functional integrity of tissues. Knowledge of regional lymph nodes is important to prognosticate the probable involvement certain lymph nodes in case of known site of tumor or infection & permits the diagnosis of an obscure site of a pathological process if a lymph node or group of lymph nodes is found diseased.