Neck Lymph Node Boundary Level V

**Semantic type:** Finding

**Definition:** Neck lymph node boundary level V contains the posterior triangle lymph node group. It includes the lymph nodes located along the lower half of the spinal accessory nerve and the transverse cervical artery. The supraclavicular nodes are also included in this group. It is divided into sublevels VA and VB. The following anatomical structures define sublevel VA: Superior: apex of the convergence of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles; inferior: horizontal plane defined by the lower border of the cricoid cartilage; anterior (medial): posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle or sensory branches of the cervical plexus; posterior (lateral): anterior border of the trapezius muscle. The following anatomical structures define sublevel VB: Superior: horizontal plane defined by the lower border of the cricoid cartilage; inferior: clavicle; anterior (medial): posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle; posterior (lateral): anterior border of the trapezius muscle. (partially adapted from AJCC 8th ed.)

**Synonyms:** - CERVICAL LYMPH NODE LEVEL V