Lymph Nodes and Vessels of Perineal Region

Gross Anatomy - Lymph Nodes and Vessels of the Perineal Region

1. Lymphatic drainage of the perineum

• Occurs via the superficial inguinal lymph nodes, which receive lymph from the lower abdominal wall, buttocks, penis, scrotum, labium majus, and lower parts of the vagina and anal canal. These nodes have efferent vessels that drain primarily into the external iliac nodes and ultimately to the lumbar (aortic) nodes.
• Lymph vessels from the glans penis (or clitoris) and labium minus pass to the deep inguinal and external iliac nodes.

2. Lymphatic drainage of the pelvis

• Follows the internal iliac vessels to the internal iliac nodes and subsequently to the lumbar (aortic) nodes.
• Internal iliac nodes receive lymph from the upper part of the rectum and vagina and other pelvic organs, and they drain into the common iliac and then to the lumbar (aortic) nodes. However, lymph from the uppermost part of the rectum drains into the inferior mesenteric nodes and then to the aortic nodes.
• Lymph from the testis and epididymis or ovary drains along the gonadal vessels directly into the aortic nodes.
  

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