Internal iliac lymph nodes: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 01:02, 28 April 2025

The internal iliac lymph nodes, also known as the hypogastric lymph nodes, are a group of lymph nodes located in the pelvic region. They play a crucial role in the lymphatic system, particularly in the drainage of lymph from the pelvic organs.

Gray's Anatomy illustration of lymph nodes

Anatomy[edit]

The internal iliac lymph nodes are situated along the internal iliac artery and its branches. They are part of the pelvic lymph nodes and are closely associated with the internal iliac artery and internal iliac vein.

Location[edit]

These lymph nodes are located in the pelvic cavity, specifically in the lateral pelvic wall. They are found near the sacrum and the greater sciatic foramen.

Structure[edit]

The internal iliac lymph nodes are divided into several groups based on their location and the structures they drain. These include:

Parietal nodes: Located along the pelvic walls.
Visceral nodes: Associated with the pelvic organs.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the internal iliac lymph nodes is to filter lymphatic fluid and facilitate the immune response. They receive lymph from the pelvic organs, including the bladder, prostate, uterus, and vagina.

Lymphatic Drainage[edit]

The internal iliac lymph nodes drain lymph from the following structures:

The lymph from these nodes eventually drains into the common iliac lymph nodes and then into the lumbar lymphatic trunks.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The internal iliac lymph nodes are of clinical importance due to their role in the spread of pelvic cancers. They are often evaluated in cases of:

Cancer Metastasis[edit]

Prostate cancer: The internal iliac lymph nodes are a common site for metastasis in prostate cancer.
Cervical cancer: These nodes are assessed during staging and treatment planning.
Bladder cancer: Lymphatic spread to these nodes can affect prognosis and treatment.

Surgical Considerations[edit]

During pelvic surgeries, such as lymphadenectomy, the internal iliac lymph nodes may be removed to assess for metastatic disease.

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-== Internal iliac lymph nodes ==
+The internal iliac lymph nodes, also known as the hypogastric lymph nodes, are a group of lymph nodes located in the pelvic region. They play a crucial role in the lymphatic system, particularly in the drainage of lymph from the pelvic organs.
+[[File:Lymph_node_regions.svg|Lymph node regions|thumb]]
+[[File:Gray623.png|Gray's Anatomy illustration of lymph nodes|thumb]]
+==Anatomy==
+The internal iliac lymph nodes are situated along the internal iliac artery and its branches. They are part of the [[pelvic lymph nodes]] and are closely associated with the [[internal iliac artery]] and [[internal iliac vein]].
-The internal iliac lymph nodes, also known as the hypogastric lymph nodes, are a group of lymph nodes located in the pelvis. They play a crucial role in the immune system by filtering and trapping harmful substances, such as bacteria and cancer cells, that may be present in the lymphatic fluid.
+===Location===
+These lymph nodes are located in the pelvic cavity, specifically in the lateral pelvic wall. They are found near the [[sacrum]] and the [[greater sciatic foramen]].
-=== Anatomy ===
+===Structure===
+The internal iliac lymph nodes are divided into several groups based on their location and the structures they drain. These include:
+* '''Parietal nodes''': Located along the pelvic walls.
+* '''Visceral nodes''': Associated with the pelvic organs.
-The internal iliac lymph nodes are situated within the pelvis, adjacent to the internal iliac arteries and veins. They are divided into two main groups: the preaortic and the lateral groups.
+==Function==
+The primary function of the internal iliac lymph nodes is to filter lymphatic fluid and facilitate the immune response. They receive lymph from the pelvic organs, including the [[bladder]], [[prostate]], [[uterus]], and [[vagina]].
-The preaortic group consists of the following nodes:
+===Lymphatic Drainage===
-* Paraaortic nodes: These nodes are located along the course of the abdominal aorta, just above the bifurcation into the common iliac arteries.
+The internal iliac lymph nodes drain lymph from the following structures:
-* Preaortic nodes: These nodes are found in front of the abdominal aorta, between the renal arteries and the bifurcation of the aorta.
+* [[Urinary bladder]]
+* [[Prostate gland]]
+* [[Cervix]]
+* [[Vagina]]
+* [[Rectum]]
-The lateral group includes the following nodes:
+The lymph from these nodes eventually drains into the [[common iliac lymph nodes]] and then into the [[lumbar lymphatic trunks]].
-* Obturator nodes: These nodes are located along the obturator vessels, near the obturator foramen.
-* Internal iliac nodes: These nodes are situated along the internal iliac vessels, within the pelvis.
-=== Function ===
+==Clinical Significance==
+The internal iliac lymph nodes are of clinical importance due to their role in the spread of pelvic cancers. They are often evaluated in cases of:
-The internal iliac lymph nodes play a crucial role in the immune response within the pelvis. They receive lymphatic drainage from various pelvic organs, including the bladder, rectum, uterus, prostate, and vagina. The lymphatic fluid carries waste products, pathogens, and cancer cells from these organs to the lymph nodes for filtration and immune response.
+===Cancer Metastasis===
+* '''Prostate cancer''': The internal iliac lymph nodes are a common site for metastasis in prostate cancer.
+* '''Cervical cancer''': These nodes are assessed during staging and treatment planning.
+* '''Bladder cancer''': Lymphatic spread to these nodes can affect prognosis and treatment.
-Once the harmful substances reach the internal iliac lymph nodes, they are trapped and destroyed by immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages. This process helps prevent the spread of infections and cancer within the pelvis.
+===Surgical Considerations===
+During pelvic surgeries, such as [[lymphadenectomy]], the internal iliac lymph nodes may be removed to assess for metastatic disease.
-=== Clinical Significance ===
-The internal iliac lymph nodes are important in the staging and treatment of certain cancers, particularly those affecting the pelvic organs. Lymph node involvement is a crucial factor in determining the extent of cancer spread and guiding treatment decisions.
-For example, in cases of prostate cancer, the presence of cancer cells in the internal iliac lymph nodes may indicate a more advanced stage of the disease. This information helps oncologists determine the appropriate treatment approach, such as radiation therapy or systemic chemotherapy.
-In addition, the internal iliac lymph nodes can be affected by infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted infections. In these cases, the nodes may become enlarged and tender, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain and discomfort.
-=== References ===
-<references>
-<ref>Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st Edition. Elsevier. 2015.</ref>
-<ref>Standring, S. (Ed.). (2016). Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.</ref>
-<ref>Netter, F. H. (2014). Atlas of human anatomy. Elsevier Health Sciences.</ref>
-</references>
-== See Also ==
+==See Also==
 * [[Lymphatic system]]
-* [[Pelvis]]
+* [[Pelvic anatomy]]
-* [[Lymph nodes]]
+* [[Lymphadenopathy]]
-* [[Prostate cancer]]
+{{stub}}
-* [[Pelvic inflammatory disease]]
+[[Category:Lymphatic system]]
+[[Category:Pelvic anatomy]]
+[[Category:Medical anatomy]]