Deep inguinal nodes

The deep inguinal lymph nodes lie medial to the femoral vein under the cribriform fascia. They are subdivided into three groups:

• Proximal deep inguinal node is he uppermost node in the groin, under the inguinal ligament, and is called Cloquet's node (also Rosenmuller's node). It can also be considered as the lowest of the external iliac lymph nodes. Cloquet's node is also considered as a potential sentinel lymph node.

• Intermediate deep inguinal node: located under the inguinal ligament, but is not always present.

• Distal deep inguinal node: located above the point where the long saphenous vein connects to the femoral vein.

The deep inguinal lymph nodes drain superiorly to the external iliac lymph nodes, then to the pelvic lymph nodes and on to the paraaortic lymph nodes.