Head and neck: lymphatic drainage: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Head and neck: lymphatic drainage

Sample item

Carcinoma of the tip of the tongue first drains to which nodes?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Submental nodes

The tip of the tongue drains to the submental nodes and may bypass to the jugulo-omohyoid nodes. The lateral tongue drains to submandibular and upper deep cervical nodes, and the posterior third to jugulodigastric nodes.

Option by option

  • A. Preauricular nodes

    Preauricular nodes drain the scalp and face.

  • B. Supraclavicular nodes

    Supraclavicular nodes are a late echelon.

  • C. Submental nodes (correct)

    Correct. The tip drains to the submental nodes.

  • D. Retropharyngeal nodes

    Retropharyngeal nodes drain the nasopharynx and posterior pharynx.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Submental nodes. The tip of the tongue drains to the submental nodes and may bypass to the jugulo-omohyoid nodes.

Why is "Preauricular nodes" not the answer?

Preauricular nodes drain the scalp and face.

Why is "Supraclavicular nodes" not the answer?

Supraclavicular nodes are a late echelon.

Why is "Retropharyngeal nodes" not the answer?

Retropharyngeal nodes drain the nasopharynx and posterior pharynx.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck: lymphatic drainage in ENT. The lateral tongue drains to submandibular and upper deep cervical nodes, and the posterior third to jugulodigastric nodes.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Head and neck: lymphatic drainage?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.