The supraclavicular lymph node is located deep in the angle formed by which structures?

• A. Clavicle and sternocleidomastoid muscle
• B. Clavicle and trapezius muscle
• C. Sternocleidomastoid muscle and internal jugular vein
• D. Mandible and masseter

Answer: (A)

Supraclavicular lymph nodes sit in the supraclavicular fossa, a shallow area at the base of the neck where the clavicle meets the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The inferior border of the sternocleidomastoid and the clavicle form a distinct angle, and deep to fascia in that angle lies the node group. This landmark makes sense because these nodes drain lymph from the head, neck, and upper thorax and lie just above the clavicle near this muscle attachment. The other pairings don’t create that recognizable angle at the clavicle with the SCM, so they aren’t the typical location for these nodes.