What are the main groups of superficial lymph nodes in the lower limb and what do they drain?

The superficial lymph nodes in the lower limb are located in the inguinal region and consist of two main groups: the upper horizontal group (5–6 nodes below the inguinal ligament, with lateral nodes draining the gluteal region, lateral thigh, flank, and lower back, and medial nodes draining the anterior abdominal wall below the umbilicus, external genitalia, perineum, lower anal canal, and part of the uterus) and the lower vertical group (4–5 nodes along the terminal great saphenous vein, draining the skin and superficial fascia of most of the lower limb, except the heel, lateral foot, and buttock).

What are the deep lymph nodes of the lower limb and their functions?

The deep lymph nodes of the lower limb include deep inguinal nodes (4–5 nodes along the medial femoral vein, receiving from superficial inguinal nodes, popliteal nodes, glans penis/clitoris, and deep lymphatics, and draining into external iliac nodes), popliteal nodes (3–6 nodes in the popliteal fossa, receiving from the small saphenous territory, deep leg, and knee joint, and draining into deep inguinal nodes), and an anterior tibial node (an inconstant node near the anterior tibial artery, draining the anterior leg compartment and into popliteal nodes).

How do superficial lymphatic vessels drain the lower limb?

Superficial lymphatic vessels drain the lower limb by running in the superficial fascia, with a main stream following the great saphenous vein to the superficial inguinal nodes and an accessory stream following the small saphenous vein to the popliteal nodes.

What is the clinical significance of inguinal lymphadenopathy?

Inguinal lymphadenopathy is clinically significant as it often results from infections, abscesses, or malignancies in the drainage areas of the lower limb and requires differentiation from conditions like ectopic testis, femoral hernia, or psoas abscess.

What is elephantiasis and how does it relate to lower limb lymphatic drainage?

Elephantiasis is a lymphatic disorder where blockage by filarial worms (Wuchereria bancrofti) causes massive leg edema and thickened skin, impacting the lymphatic drainage of the lower limb.

What structures do the popliteal lymph nodes drain?

Popliteal lymph nodes drain lymph from the small saphenous territory (heel, lateral foot, posterior leg), deep leg structures, and the knee joint, uniquely receiving both superficial and deep lymph from the lower leg and foot.

Lower Limb Lymphatics – Nodes & Drainage