INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Where do the tip of the tongue, mandibular incisors, and associated gingiva usually drain?

1. Submandibular lymph nodes

2. Deep cervical nodes

3. Submental lymph nodes

4. Superficial cervical nodes

The correct answer is: Submental lymph nodes

The tip of the tongue, mandibular incisors, and associated gingiva usually drain to the submental lymph nodes. The submental lymph nodes are located beneath the chin and receive lymphatic drainage from the chin, lower lip, floor of the mouth, tip of the tongue, and mandibular incisors. These lymph nodes play an essential role in filtering lymph and facilitating immune responses in the head and neck region. Option A, the submandibular lymph nodes, primarily receive lymphatic drainage from the submandibular salivary gland, oral cavity, and parts of the face. Option B, the deep cervical nodes, are responsible for receiving lymphatic drainage from the deeper structures of the head and neck. Option D, the superficial cervical nodes, typically drain superficial structures of the neck and scalp. However, for the structures mentioned in the question, the correct answer is the submental lymph nodes.