Inguinal lymph nodes

Hello Awesomites! :)

Long time. Happy to be back. :D

Today we will study Inguinal Lymph nodes along with its clinical significance.

You know fascia lata is present in our lower limbs.

The Lymph nodes lying above it is called as superficial inguinal Lymph nodes.

The Lymph nodes lying beneath it is called as deep inguinal Lymph nodes.

The superficial Lymph nodes are further divided into horizontal and vertical groups.

The deep lymph nodes are deep to fascia lata and 1-2 nodes can be found in femoral canal. This nodes in the femoral canal are called as deep inguinal Lymph node of Rosenmuller or of Cloquet. This drains glans penis and clitoris.

Through the umbilicus is taken a watershed line of Lymphatic drainage of anterior abdominal wall.

The anterior abdominal wall below the umbilicus drains in the superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

Entire perineum except glans penis and glans clitoris are drained by superficial lymph nodes.
Most of the lower limb is drained by superficial inguinal lymph nodes except the territory of short saphenous vein (This part of lower limb is drained by popliteal group of lymph nodes).

Some part of Uterus and uterine tubes are also drained by superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

Anal canal below pectinate line also drains in superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

Superficial Inguinal lymph node drain lymph from the

1.     gluteal region,

2.      inferior anterior abdominal wall,

3.      perineum

4.     superficial lower limbs

5.     Anal canal below pectinate line

Deep Inguinal Lymph node drains

1.     deep lymphatics of the distal lower extremity

2.      perineum (e.g. glans penis / clitoris),

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

In sexually transmitted diseases, you will find enlargement of this lymph nodes.
Inguinal lymph nodes are the frequent sites of metastasis for malignant lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal, vulva and penis, malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma of skin over lower extremities or trunk. 

-Upasana Y. :)