Iliac lymph nodes

Nodi lymphoidei iliaci

Lymphatic & immuneLymphaticsPelvisLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is

A chain of nodes following the common and external iliac vessels down the side wall of the pelvis to the groin, plus internal iliac nodes deeper in the pelvis around the branches of the internal iliac artery. Each node is a bean-shaped filter 5-15 mm long with a fibrous capsule, an outer cortex of B-cell follicles, a T-cell paracortex and an inner medulla. Several afferent lymphatics enter its convex surface; one or two efferents leave at the hilum.

Function

External iliac nodes collect lymph from the inguinal nodes, bladder, prostate/uterus; internal iliac nodes drain the pelvic organs, perineum and buttock; both pass to the common iliac then lumbar nodes.

Size

8-12 nodes of 5-15 mm per side

Clinical note

Staging cancers of the bladder, prostate, cervix and rectum depends on whether these nodes are involved; they are examined on CT and MRI and often removed at surgery.