Organ
Common iliac lymph nodes
A major link from pelvic nodes to lumbar chains
High-yield
Common iliac nodes connect much of the pelvic drainage to the retroperitoneum, but some pelvic organs also have routes that bypass this chain.
Overview
The common iliac nodes accompany the vessels between the aortic bifurcation and the internal–external iliac division. They collect substantial drainage from both iliac chains and communicate with sacral pathways. Efferents continue toward the lumbar nodes.
Reference facts
- Location
- Around the common iliac vessels and near the sacral promontory.
- Parts
- Nodes are described in lateral, medial and posterior relationships to the vessels; exact numbers and positions vary.
- Drains from
- Receive external and internal iliac efferents, with contributions from sacral pathways.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Drain upward to lumbar nodes around the aorta and vena cava.
- Function
- Relay and monitor lymph from much of the pelvis, lower abdominal wall and lower limbs.
Clinical correlation
Their location matters when mapping pelvic tumor spread. A metastasis here does not prove that every preceding node group contains tumor; drainage can follow alternative or bypass channels.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the common iliac lymph nodes located?
The common iliac lymph nodes lie around the common iliac vessels and near the sacral promontory.
What do the common iliac lymph nodes do?
Relay and monitor lymph from much of the pelvis, lower abdominal wall and lower limbs.
What are the parts of the common iliac lymph nodes?
Nodes are described in lateral, medial and posterior relationships to the vessels; exact numbers and positions vary.
How do the common iliac lymph nodes drain?
Drain upward to lumbar nodes around the aorta and vena cava.