Inguinal lymph nodes

Nodi lymphoidei inguinales

Lymphatic & immuneLymphaticsPelvisLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is

The groin nodes: a horizontal row in the fat just below the inguinal ligament and a vertical row along the top of the great saphenous vein, plus a few deep nodes beside the femoral vein (the highest is Cloquet's node, in the femoral canal). 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

Drain the whole lower limb, the buttock, the external genitalia, perineum and anus, and the abdominal wall below the navel, sending lymph on to the external iliac nodes.

Size

10-15 superficial nodes of 5-20 mm; 1-3 deep nodes

Clinical note

The most easily felt nodes in the body; small "shotty" nodes are normal here. Enlarged in leg and foot infections, sexually transmitted infections and melanoma of the leg.