retropharyngeal lymph nodes retropharyngeal lymph nodes the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, from one to three in number, lie in the buccopharyngeal fascia, behind the upper part of the pharynx and in front of the arch of the atlas, being separated, however, from the latter by the longus capitis. retropharyngeal lymph nodes1: submental lymph nodes2: submandibular lymph nodes3: supraclavicular lymph nodes4: retropharyngeal lymph nodes5: buccal lymph nodes6: superficial cervical lymph nodes7: jugular lymph nodes8: parotid lymph nodes9: retroauricular lymph nodes & occipital lymph nodeslymphatics of pharynx. (retropharyngeal lymph nodes labeled at center top.)detailssystemlymphatic systemdrains tosuperior deep cervical lymph nodesidentifierslatinnodi lymphoidei retropharyngeianatomical terminology their afferents drain the nasal cavities, the nasal part of the pharynx, and the auditory tubes. their efferents pass to the superior deep cervical lymph nodes. they are in the retropharyngeal space. they frequently disappear by age 4-5. (this is why retropharyngeal abscess is rare in older children.)