Colic lymph nodes

The colic lymph nodes (Nodi lymphatici colici) accompany the various segments of the colon, from the cecum to the beginning of the descending colon. They are located in direct contact with or in close proximity to the intestine, in mesocolon ascendens and transversum (Car), in the axis of ansa spiralis coil (su) or along the loops (Ru) or segments (eq) of colon ascendens.

• In carnivores, they are few in number and are situated in the ascending and transverse mesocolons.

• More numerous in humans, they extend up to the vicinity of the descending colon.

• They are especially abundant in ungulates (several thousand in equids), accompanying the different segments of the ascending colon.

• In rabbits, they are replaced by the cranial mesenteric lymph nodes.

Their afferent vessels drain the corresponding parts of the colon and, to a lesser extent, the cecum and the ileum. Their efferent vessels reach the cranial mesenteric lymph nodes (in equids and humans), the intestinal trunk (in ruminants and pigs), or the visceral trunk (in carnivores).