Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

Where does lymph from the forehead, temple, and cheeks primarily drain?

1. Cervical nodes

2. Preauricular nodes

3. Submandibular nodes

4. Occipital nodes

The correct answer is: Preauricular nodes

Lymph from the forehead, temple, and cheeks primarily drains into the preauricular nodes. The preauricular nodes, located in front of the ear, play a significant role in the lymphatic drainage of the facial region. This area encompasses the skin and tissues of the forehead, temple, and cheeks, which are connected to the lymphatic system that channels waste products and excess fluids towards these lymph nodes for filtration and eventual return to the bloodstream. The cervical nodes serve a broader region of the neck and may collect lymph from various facial areas, but they are not the primary drainage site for the forehead, temple, and cheeks. The submandibular nodes are also involved in lymphatic drainage but primarily serve the submandibular region and lower face rather than the forehead and temple. Occipital nodes, located at the back of the head, are associated with drainage from the posterior scalp and do not typically handle lymph from the frontal facial areas. Understanding these drainage pathways is crucial for recognizing how infections or diseases may spread or be localized in the lymphatic system.