Cervical Lymph Nodes Level 6 Anatomy Level VI cervical lymph nodes, also known as the central compartment nodes, are located in the anterior neck, surrounding the trachea and thyroid gland. They are bounded superiorly by the hyoid bone, inferiorly by the suprasternal notch, and laterally by the common carotid arteries. These nodes are crucial for draining lymph from the thyroid gland, larynx, cervical trachea, hypopharynx, and esophagus. Specific Lymph Nodes within Level VI: Pretracheal nodes: L