Lymphatics of Lower Limb

Question 1

Superficial lymphatic vessels

Answer 1

• Medial vessels - follow course of great saphenous vein , ends in groin draining into sub inguinal group of inguinal lymph nodes
• Lateral vessels - follow course of small saphenous vein, enter popliteal nodes // ascend in front of leg and cross just below knee to join medial group

Question 2

Deep lymphatic vessels

Answer 2

Accompany deep arteries of lower leg
Anterior tibial, posterior tibial and peroneal
Enter popliteal lymph nodes

Question 3

Inguinal nodes

Answer 3

1-20, found in upper aspect of femoral triangle
Divided into sub-inguinal (deep and superficial) and superficial inguinal by a line horizontal at the level of great saphenous vein termination
- Superficial inguinal - receive lymph from penis, scrotum, perineum, buttock, abdominal wall
- Superficial sub-inguinal - receive afferent input primarily from superficial lymphatic vessels of lower leg
- Deep sub-inguinal - receive afferent input from deep lymphatic trunks of the thigh accompanying femoral vessels

Question 4

Popliteal nodes

Answer 4

Small in size
5-7
Imbedded in fat reserves in popliteal fossa
Receive lymph from lateral superficial vessels

Question 5

Lymphadenopathy

Answer 5

Abnormality in size, number or consistency of any lymphatic nodes within the body
Usually in response to infection, malignancy or auto-immune condition
Abnormality of inguinal nodes should always be view suspiciously with full examination of both lower limb and penis, scrotum, buttocks and abdominal wall
Testicles follow different lymphatic route and drain directly into para-aortic nodes, rarely cause inguinal lymph enlargement