INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

The anterior 2/3 of the tongue, floor of the mouth, teeth, and gingival usually drain to which lymph nodes?

1. Submandibular lymph nodes

2. Submental lymph nodes

3. Parotid lymph nodes

4. Deep cervical nodes

The correct answer is: Submandibular lymph nodes

The correct answer is submandibular lymph nodes (choice A) because the anterior 2/3 of the tongue, floor of the mouth, teeth, and gingival tissues typically drain into the submandibular lymph nodes. These lymph nodes are located beneath the angle of the mandible and play a crucial role in draining lymphatic fluid and filtering out harmful substances or microorganisms in this region. Submental lymph nodes (choice B) are located beneath the chin and primarily drain the central lower lip, floor of the mouth, and some superficial anterior neck structures. Parotid lymph nodes (choice C) are located near the parotid salivary gland and receive lymphatic drainage principally from the scalp, external ear, and part of the face. Deep cervical nodes (choice D) receive lymph drainage from various head and neck regions but are not the primary lymph nodes where the structures mentioned in the question usually drain.