Level V

The nodes from level V (posterior cervical nodes) lie posterior to the back of the sternocleidomastoid muscle from the skull base to the level of the bottom of the cricoid arch and posterior to a line connecting the back of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the posterolateral margin of the anterior scalene muscle from the level of the bottom of the cricoid arch to the level of the clavicle. They also lie anterior to the anterior edge of the trapezius muscle.

• VA (Upper level V node)s extend from the skull base to the level of the bottom of the cricoid arch.
• VB (Lower level V nodes) extend from the level of the bottom of the cricoid arch to the level of the clavicle, as seen on each axial scan.