Where are the lymph nodes located in the neck and jaw area?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Lymph nodes in the neck and jaw are located in several distinct groups. The main clusters include the submandibular nodes (beneath the jawbone), submental nodes (under the chin), cervical nodes (along the sides of the neck), and supraclavicular nodes (just above the collarbone). These nodes play a key role in filtering harmful substances and supporting the immune system.

If you've noticed swelling, tenderness, or lumps in these areas, it's important not to guess. Swollen lymph nodes can signal anything from a minor infection to something requiring medical attention — and identifying the cause early makes a real difference. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your symptoms and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if swollen neck nodes are serious Discover possible causes of neck-jaw lumps Find out what neck lump symptoms mean See OTC options for swollen lymph nodes Find a doctor for neck swelling Discover home remedies for swollen lymph nodes Understand if your neck lump needs care

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Explanation

Lymph nodes in the neck and jaw area are part of the body's immune system and help fight infections. These nodes are grouped in specific areas:

Submandibular Lymph Nodes: These are located beneath the jawbone and are responsible for draining lymphatic fluid from the mouth, lips, and cheeks.
Cervical Lymph Nodes: These nodes are found along the sides of the neck. They are divided into levels based on their location, such as below the ear or near the collarbone.

The lymph nodes in these areas can become swollen due to infections or other conditions. If you're experiencing swollen lymph nodes or other concerning symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes. Understanding their locations helps in diagnosing various medical conditions related to the head and neck.

(References)

Gvetadze SR, & Ilkaev KD. (2020). Lingual lymph nodes: Anatomy, clinical considerations, .... World journal of clinical oncology, 32874949.
Weber AL, Rahemtullah A, & Ferry JA. (2003). Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the head and neck. Neuroimaging clinics of North America, 14631680.
Woolgar JA. (2007). The topography of cervical lymph node metastases revisited. International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery, 17239562.

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