External iliac nodes !
The external iliac nodes lie along the external iliac vessels; they filter lymph from the pelvic organs and from the groin nodes.
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What it is
Lymph nodes along the external iliac vessels.
What it does
Receive lymph from the pelvic organs and the groin nodes; removed in pelvic node dissection.
Key facts
- Where
- Along the external iliac vessels (lateral, intermediate, medial groups) on the pelvic brim
- Drains
- Superficial and deep inguinal nodes; deep lower abdominal wall (along the inferior epigastric vessels); glans penis or clitoris; cervix, uterus, upper vagina, bladder, prostate
- Into
- Common iliac nodes
Relations
- Lateral
- Psoas major with the genitofemoral nerve on its surface, beside the external iliac artery
- Medial
- Urinary bladder and the obliterated umbilical artery; the medial group lies on the inner side of the external iliac vein
- Deep
- Obturator nodes and the obturator nerve beneath the external iliac vein
- Above
- Common iliac nodes, which receive their efferent vessels
- Below
- Deep inguinal nodes in the femoral canal under the inguinal ligament
How to find it
In surgery they are dissected along the external iliac artery and vein, from the bifurcation of the common iliac artery to the inguinal ligament, keeping the genitofemoral nerve on the lateral side in view.
On imaging
CT, MRI and PET-CT assess them in cancer staging. A rounded shape, loss of the fatty hilum, an irregular border and high metabolic activity raise suspicion; size alone is unreliable.
Clinical notes
- Removing them can cause lower limb lymphoedema and pelvic lymphoceles, more often when inguinal nodes are also removed
- Genitofemoral nerve injury during dissection numbs the upper inner thigh and the labia majora (scrotum in men)
- Bladder and prostate cancers often spread first to the obturator and external iliac nodes
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why are the external iliac nodes the second station for the lower limb, vulva and perineum?
All lymph leaving the inguinal nodes passes through them.
In cervical cancer, which FIGO stage corresponds to pelvic node spread and to para-aortic node spread?
Pelvic nodes (including external iliac): stage IIIC1; para-aortic nodes: stage IIIC2.
Which nerve injury during external iliac node dissection numbs the upper inner thigh and labia majora?
The genitofemoral nerve, on psoas major lateral to the nodes.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- nodi iliaci externi TA2 5325
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Nódulos linfáticos ilíacos externos DeCS D008198
- English (TA2)
- External iliac nodes
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); DeCS; Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Lymphatic Drainage.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
