Internal iliac nodes
Nodi iliaci interni
- Latin synonym: Lymphonodi hypogastrici
Definition
The internal iliac lymph nodes (or hypogastric) surround the internal iliac artery and its branches, and receive the lymphatics corresponding to the distribution of the branches of it, they receive lymphatics from all the pelvic viscera, from the deeper parts of the perineum, including the membranous and cavernous portions of the urethra, and from the buttock and back of the thigh. The internal iliac lymph nodes also drain the superior half of the rectum, above the pectinate line.
It does not receive lymph from the ovary or testis, which drain to the paraaortic lymph nodes.
The boundaries of the lymph node internal iliac compartment are:
Cranial | Bifurcation of common iliac artery |
Caudal | Insertion of levator ani muscle into external sphincter |
Anterior | Upper: 7mm around the vessel Mid: virtual plane crossing the anterior wall of the ureters when they join the bladder Lower: Posterior limit of obturator fossa |
Medial | Upper: 7mm around the vessel Lower: Mesorectal fascia, pelvic organs |
Lateral | Upper: iliopsoas, pelvic bones Lower: Medial edge of pelvic wall muscle |
Posterior | Lateral edge of sacroiliac joint |
References
Lateral Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: Do we all Think the Same? A Review of Multidisciplinary Obstacles and Treatment RecommendationsSluckin, Tania C. et al.Clinical Colorectal Cancer, Volume 21, Issue 2, 80 - 88
