[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Abdomen](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/abdomen/) › Mesenteric lymph nodes [Lymphatic system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/lymphatic-system/) · [Abdomen](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/abdomen/) # Mesenteric lymph nodes The mesenteric nodes are lymph nodes in the mesentery and along the colon's arteries; they filter lymph from the bowel and are removed in colon cancer surgery. Official name: Superior mesenteric nodes [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=abdomen&select=mesenteric_nodes&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is Lymph nodes in the mesentery and along the colic vessels (ileocolic, appendicular, colic, sigmoid). ## What it does Filter lymph from the intestines. Swollen ones in children (mesenteric adenitis) can mimic appendicitis. ## Key points - Nodes follow the arteries in tiers: for the colon, epicolic, paracolic, intermediate (along the [colic arteries](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/right-colic-artery/)) and central (at the origin of the superior or inferior mesenteric artery) - Colon cancer surgery removes the nodes along the supplying arteries, and at least 12 nodes are usually examined for reliable staging - Bulky mesenteric nodes surrounding the vessels on CT (the sandwich sign) suggest lymphoma ## Key facts **Where** Superior mesenteric: along jejunal/ileal vessels in mesentery to SMA root; inferior mesenteric: at IMA origin; colon via paracolic and colic nodes **Drains** Small intestine, colon and upper [rectum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/rectum/) **Into** Intestinal trunk, then cisterna chyli; inferior mesenteric nodes partly to lumbar nodes ## Relations **Course** Lymph from the intestinal lacteals passes through nodes beside the bowel, along the arterial arcades and at the root of the mesentery, then into the intestinal trunk and the [cisterna chyli](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cisterna-chyli/) **Above** Central superior mesenteric nodes at the root of the mesentery, around the [superior mesenteric artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-mesenteric-artery/) origin behind the neck of the [pancreas](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/pancreas/) **Below** Inferior mesenteric nodes on the aorta at the [inferior mesenteric artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/inferior-mesenteric-artery/) origin (about L3), left of the midline; below them, the nodes of the mesorectum ## How to find it In colon surgery they are removed with the mesentery along the supplying artery up to its origin (central or high tie). In the small bowel they lie in the mesentery between the jejunal and ileal arteries and, when enlarged, are felt at surgery as firm nodules in the mesentery. ## On imaging On CT normal mesenteric nodes are small and oval; nodes over about 1 cm in short [axis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/axis/), clustered, necrotic or calcified are abnormal. Necrotic nodes with an enhancing rim suggest tuberculosis. ## Common problems - Cancers of the [stomach](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/stomach/) and pancreas spread to them; surgeons remove them with the tumour. ## Clinical notes - Abdominal tuberculosis, relevant in Colombia, often involves the ileocaecal region and its mesenteric nodes, which can caseate, mat together or calcify - Blockage of these nodes or the intestinal trunk by lymphoma, tuberculosis or cancer can cause chylous ascites - High ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in rectal cancer surgery removes the apical (central) node with the specimen - Mesenteric node spread changes the stage of colorectal cancer and the need for chemotherapy ## Related conditions - [Whipple disease](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/whipple-disease/) - [Non-Hodgkin lymphoma](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/) - [Typhoid (enteric) fever](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/typhoid-fever/) - [Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/common-variable-immunodeficiency/) - [Colorectal cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/colorectal-cancer/) - [Crohn disease](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/crohn-disease/) - [Coeliac disease](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/coeliac-disease/) - [Acute (viral) gastroenteritis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/acute-gastroenteritis/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What are the tiers of lymph nodes draining the colon? Epicolic, paracolic, intermediate (along the colic arteries) and central (at the origin of the superior or inferior mesenteric artery). ## How many lymph nodes are usually examined for reliable staging of colon cancer? At least 12, removed with the nodes along the supplying arteries. ## What does the CT sandwich sign suggest? Lymphoma: bulky mesenteric nodes surrounding the mesenteric vessels. ## Which condition of swollen mesenteric nodes in children can mimic appendicitis? Mesenteric adenitis. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/superior-mesenteric-nodes/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** nodi mesenterici superiores TA2 5302 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Nódulos linfáticos mesentéricos superiores DeCS D008198 **English (TA2)** Superior mesenteric nodes **Also called** lymphonodi mesosteniales Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=8375); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Lymphatic Drainage](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557720/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-mesenteric-nodes/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-mesenteric-nodes/