Organ
Deep inguinal lymph nodes
Deep groin nodes linking limb and pelvic lymph pathways
High-yield
The upper node at the femoral canal is called Cloquet's node, or Rosenmüller's node. It marks the transition toward pelvic nodes, but it is not the final filter for all lower-limb lymph.
Overview
Deep inguinal nodes lie beneath the fascia lata, chiefly medial to the femoral vein. They receive lymph from deep lower-limb routes and from some superficial inguinal nodes, then send it onward toward the external iliac chain.
Reference facts
- Location
- Deep to the fascia lata along the medial side of the femoral vein, with the uppermost nodal region at the femoral canal
- Parts
- A small group with variable node number and distribution; the node at the upper femoral canal is known as Cloquet's or Rosenmüller's node
- Drains from
- Deep lower-limb lymphatics, popliteal-node outflow and some superficial inguinal efferents; also part of genital drainage pathways involving the inguinal network
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Outgoing lymphatic vessels continue toward the external iliac nodes
- Function
- Immune-cell processing and filtering of lymph arriving from regional tissues before further passage through the pelvic lymphatic system
Clinical correlation
An enlarged deep groin node can resemble a femoral hernia. A lump's position alone cannot determine which it is; clinical assessment and, when appropriate, ultrasound help distinguish nodal enlargement from a hernia or another mass.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the deep inguinal lymph nodes located?
Deep to the fascia lata along the medial side of the femoral vein, with the uppermost nodal region at the femoral canal.
What do the deep inguinal lymph nodes do?
Immune-cell processing and filtering of lymph arriving from regional tissues before further passage through the pelvic lymphatic system.
What are the parts of the deep inguinal lymph nodes?
A small group with variable node number and distribution; the node at the upper femoral canal is known as Cloquet's or Rosenmüller's node.
How do the deep inguinal lymph nodes drain?
Outgoing lymphatic vessels continue toward the external iliac nodes.