Vessel
Lymphatic drainage of the uterus and ovary
Interconnected pelvic, lumbar and inguinal pathways
High-yield
Map three directions: pelvic nodes beside the cervix, lumbar nodes along the ovarian pedicle, and a smaller inguinal route along the round ligament. Ovarian drainage also has pelvic connections.
Overview
The uterine wall has communicating lymphatic networks rather than sharply isolated drainage segments. Cervical and uterine lymph can follow paracervical pathways toward iliac, obturator and sacral nodes. Fundal connections also accompany ovarian vessels toward lumbar nodes or follow the round ligament toward the groin.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Lymphatic networks in the uterine body and cervix communicate with tubal and ovarian channels.
- Course
- Pass through paracervical tissue, along ovarian vessels in the suspensory ligament, or along the uterine round ligament.
- Drains to
- Reach external/internal iliac, obturator and sacral nodes, lumbar para-aortic/paracaval nodes, and a smaller superficial inguinal pathway. Relative contributions vary by region and individual.
Clinical correlation
Tracer studies identify overlapping drainage after cervical and fundal injections. Regional teaching maps are useful, but an exact one-part–one-node rule can miss pathways relevant to tumor staging.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the lymphatic drainage of the uterus and ovary originate?
The lymphatic drainage of the uterus and ovary arises from the lymphatic networks in the uterine body and cervix communicate with tubal and ovarian channels.
Where does the lymphatic drainage of the uterus and ovary drain to?
Reach external/internal iliac, obturator and sacral nodes, lumbar para-aortic/paracaval nodes, and a smaller superficial inguinal pathway. Relative contributions vary by region and individual.
What is the course of the lymphatic drainage of the uterus and ovary?
Pass through paracervical tissue, along ovarian vessels in the suspensory ligament, or along the uterine round ligament.