Lower Limb Lymphatics

Question 1

What is the function of the lymphatic system?

Answer 1

To drain tissue fluid, plasma proteins and other cellular debris back into the blood stream. Also involved in immune defence.

Question 2

What are the two major groups of lower lower lymphatics?

Answer 2

Superficial vessels and deep vessels.

Question 3

What are the subsets of superficial lymphatic vessels?

Answer 3

Medial vessels, follow the course of the great saphenous vein. Lateral vessel, associated with small saphenous vein.

Question 4

What is the anatomical course of medial lymphatic vessels of the lower limb?

Answer 4

Starts on the dorsal surface of the foot. Travels up anterior and posterior aspects of the medial lower leg, with great saphenous vein, passes behind the medial condyle of the femur. Ends in the groin and drains into the sub inguinal lymph nodes.

Question 5

What is the anatomical course of lateral lymphatic vessels of the lower limb?

Answer 5

Arise from the lateral surface of the foot and either accompany the small saphenous vein to enter the popliteal nodes, or ascend in front of the leg and cross just below the knee joint to join the medial group.

Question 6

What are the three main groups of the deep lymphatic vessels in the lower limb?

Answer 6

Anterior tibial, posterior tibial, and peroneal - each follow their corresponding artery before entering the popliteal lymph nodes.

Question 7

What are the lymphatic nodes in the upper aspect of the femoral triangle and how many are there?

Answer 7

Inguinal nodes, 120.

Question 8

What are the two main grouping of inguinal nodes?

Answer 8

Those below the horizontal line at level of termination of the great saphenous vein - sub-inguinal (include superficial and deep subgroups). And those above it - superficial inguinal nodes.

Question 9

Where do superficial inguinal nodes receive lymph from?

Answer 9

Penis, scrotum, perineum, buttock and abdominal wall.

Question 10

Where do superficial sub-inguinal nodes receive lymph from?

Answer 10

Afferent input primarily from the superficial lymphatic vessels of the lower leg.

Question 11

How many deep sub-inguinal nodes are there and where?

Answer 11

1-3, normally on medial aspect of femoral vein.

Question 12

Where do deep sub-inguinal nodes get lymph from?

Answer 12

From deep lymphatic trunks of the thigh which accompany the femoral vessels.

Question 13

How many popliteal lymph nodes are there?

Answer 13

5-7.

Question 14

Where are popliteal lymph nodes found?

Answer 14

Imbedded in fat reserves in the popliteal fossa.

Question 15

Where do popliteal lymph nodes receive lymph from?

Answer 15

Lateral superficial vessels.

Question 16

What is the anatomical course of popliteal efferent vessels?

Answer 16

Pass almost entirely alongside the femoral vessels to empty into the deep inguinal nodes. Some accompany the great saphenous vein and drain into sub-inguinla nodes.

Question 17

What is lymphadenopathy?

Answer 17

An abnormality in size, number or consistency of any lymphatic nodes within the body. Usually in response to infection, malignancy or an auto-immune condition.