Some of the accessible lymph nodes.

Palpable lymph nodes of the head and neck.

Lymph nodes of neck. Note relationship to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Palpation of preauricular lymph nodes. Compare the nodes bilaterally.

Palpation of posterior cervical nodes. Use the dorsal surfaces (pads) of the fingertips to palpate along the anterior surface of the trapezius muscle and then move slowly in a circular motion toward the posterior surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Palpation for supraclavicular lymph nodes. Encourage the patient to relax the musculature of the upper extremities so that the clavicles drop. The examiner's free hand is used to flex the patient's head forward to relax the soft tissues of the anterior neck. The fingers are hooked over the clavicle lateral to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Thyroid enlargement in pregnancy. Note the large nodule in the patient's left lobe. Thyroid size increases in pregnancy in areas of iodine deficiency but not in those with sufficient iodine.

Underlying structures of the neck. 

A. Anterior view.

Underlying structures of the neck. 

B. Lateral view.

Position of the thumbs to evaluate the midline position of the trachea.

Position of the thumb and finger to detect tracheal tugging.

Palpation of the right thyroid lobe and lateral border from in front of the patient.

Palpation of the right thyroid lobe from behind the patient. Displace the trachea to the patient's right and palpate the right lobe as the patient again swallows.