Superficial and deep inguinal nodes
Local vessels and regional nodes · Horizontal + vertical
A horizontal group below the inguinal ligament drains the perineum, external genital skin and lower abdominal wall, while a vertical group along the great saphenous vein drains the leg; efferents pass to external iliac, common iliac and then para-aortic nodes before reaching the lumbar trunks.
Traced from the start
- Lower limb, scrotum and perineal skin
- Superficial and deep inguinal nodes
Detail
- Horizontal group
- Perineum, scrotum/vulva, lower anal canal, buttock, abdominal wall below the umbilicus
- Vertical group
- Lower limb, along the great saphenous vein
- Deep group
- Along the femoral vein; Cloquet's node lies in the femoral canal
- Onward path
- External iliac, common iliac, para-aortic, then lumbar trunks
When it goes wrong
Penile, vulval or anal margin carcinoma
Inguinal block dissection, with high rates of wound breakdown and limb lymphoedema
Enlarged inguinal nodes
Usually reactive to a foot or perineal infection; examine the feet and perineum before biopsy
Practise this structure
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