- Superficial inguinal lymph nodes: lymph nodes lying in the superficial fascia of the inguinal region, arranged in an upper horizontal and a lower vertical group resembling the letter 'T'.
Groups and Arrangement
- Upper horizontal group: 5 to 6 nodes below the inguinal ligament; a lateral part (2 to 3 nodes) and a medial part.
- Lower vertical group: 4 to 5 nodes lying along both sides of the terminal part of the great saphenous vein.
Afferent Drainage
Afferent drainage of the superficial inguinal node groups
Group
Upper group, lateral part
- Afferents from
- Gluteal region; upper lateral thigh; flank and abdominal wall below the umbilical plane
Upper group, medial part
- Afferents from
- Abdominal wall below the umbilicus; penis (with prepuce) and scrotum in male, vulva and vagina below the hymen in female; perineum and anal canal below the pectinate line; a few lymphatics from the uterus via the round ligament
Lower vertical group
- Afferents from
- Skin and fascia of most of the lower limb (great saphenous territory); excludes buttock (drains to upper lateral group) and short saphenous territory (drains to popliteal nodes)