Facial lymph nodes

The facial lymph nodes are a group of up to 12 superficial lymph nodes of the head situated along the length of the facial vein. Facial lymph nodes are variable in number, usually small. They are further divided into 4 groups:

Each subgroup is responsible for drainage of adjacent skin and mucosae. Their afferent vessels drain the eyelids, the conjunctiva, and the skin and mucous membrane of the nose and cheek.^{[obsolete source]}

Superoinferiorly, each node drains into the one immediately inferior to it, with the last draining into submandibular lymph nodes (which in turn drain to the deep cervical lymph nodes).

During physical examination, these nodes are palpated bilaterally from the infraorbital region to the labial commisure and then to the mandible.

When undergoing lymphadenopathy, these nodes are described as feeling like a "firm pea". Lymphadenopathy of these nodes may be result from dental infections.