Description
The inguinal lymph nodes form deep and superficial groups.
The superficial inguinal lymph nodes are located in the subcutaneous fat adjacent to the great saphenous vein. This group of nodes can be palpated. The superficial inguinal lymph nodes are contained within the femoral triangle, demarcated by the inguinal ligament superiorly, sartorius muscle laterally, and the adductor longus muscle medially. These nodes can be subdivided into superomedial, superolateral, and inferior superficial inguinal lymph nodes. In general, the superficial inguinal lymph nodes drain the skin inferior to the umbilicus, the outer genitalia, anal canal, anus, the gluteal region, and perineum. Their efferent vessels pass to the external iliac nodes, with some intercalated vessels passing to the deep inguinal lymph nodes.
Related parts of the anatomy
