Where are the major clusters of lymph nodes located?

• A. Abdominal, Pelvic, Thoracic
• B. Cervical, Axillary, Inguinal
• C. Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral
• D. Facial, Buccal, Lingual

Answer: (B)

Lymph node clustering follows where lymph drains from large body regions, so the most noticeable and clinically relevant groups are in the neck, armpit, and groin. These areas collect lymph from big territories: the cervical nodes drain the head and neck; the axillary nodes drain the upper limbs, chest wall, and breast; and the inguinal nodes drain the lower limbs, lower abdomen, and external genitalia. Because they receive lymph from such extensive regions, these clusters are the ones doctors commonly examine for infections or cancer spread.

There are lymph nodes along other parts of the trunk as well, but they aren’t described as major superficial clusters in the same way. Smaller clusters around the face (facial, buccal, lingual) handle drainage from the mouth and surrounding areas and aren’t the primary sites used to gauge systemic lymphatic problems.