Organ
Superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Subcutaneous groin nodes draining much of the lower body surface
High-yield
Skin of the scrotum and much of the vulva drains toward inguinal nodes. Testicular tissue usually drains higher to retroperitoneal nodes, reflecting the testes' abdominal origin rather than their adult position in the scrotum.
Overview
Superficial inguinal nodes lie in the subcutaneous tissue below the inguinal ligament, above the fascia lata. Their distribution follows the groin and the upper great saphenous vein, receiving lymph from broad areas of the lower limb, lower trunk and perineum.
Reference facts
- Location
- Subcutaneous fat of the upper femoral triangle, superficial to the fascia lata and below the inguinal ligament
- Parts
- Traditionally described as an upper group along the inguinal ligament and a lower group along the great saphenous vein; actual numbers and clustering vary
- Drains from
- Much of the superficial lower limb, abdominal wall below the umbilicus, buttock and perineal skin, external genital skin, lower vagina and anal canal below the pectinate line
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Outgoing channels may reach deep inguinal nodes or continue directly to external iliac nodes
- Function
- Regional lymph filtering and immune surveillance for tissues of the lower limb, lower trunk and perineum
Clinical correlation
Groin nodes can enlarge with infection, inflammation or malignancy in their drainage territory. Their size or location alone does not identify the cause; assessment considers the surrounding skin and regional tissues as well as the broader clinical picture.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the superficial inguinal lymph nodes located?
The superficial inguinal lymph nodes lie subcutaneous fat of the upper femoral triangle, superficial to the fascia lata and below the inguinal ligament.
What do the superficial inguinal lymph nodes do?
Regional lymph filtering and immune surveillance for tissues of the lower limb, lower trunk and perineum.
What are the parts of the superficial inguinal lymph nodes?
Traditionally described as an upper group along the inguinal ligament and a lower group along the great saphenous vein; actual numbers and clustering vary.
How do the superficial inguinal lymph nodes drain?
Outgoing channels may reach deep inguinal nodes or continue directly to external iliac nodes.