Common iliac lymph nodes

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Common iliac lymph nodes

The common iliac lymph nodes are a group of lymph nodes located in the pelvic region. They are part of the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in the body's immune response by filtering lymph fluid and trapping pathogens, cancer cells, and other foreign particles.

Anatomy

The common iliac lymph nodes are situated along the common iliac arteries and veins. They are typically divided into three groups:

• Lateral common iliac lymph nodes: Located on the lateral side of the common iliac vessels.
• Medial common iliac lymph nodes: Positioned on the medial side of the common iliac vessels.
• Intermediate common iliac lymph nodes: Found between the lateral and medial groups.

Function

The primary function of the common iliac lymph nodes is to filter lymphatic fluid from the lower limbs, pelvic organs, and lower abdominal wall. They receive lymph from the external iliac lymph nodes, internal iliac lymph nodes, and sacral lymph nodes. The filtered lymph is then drained into the lumbar lymph nodes.

Clinical Significance

The common iliac lymph nodes are of clinical importance in the diagnosis and staging of various cancers, including cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer. Enlargement of these lymph nodes can indicate the presence of metastatic disease. Imaging techniques such as CT scan and MRI are often used to assess these lymph nodes.

Related Pages

• Lymphatic system
• Lymph node
• Common iliac artery
• Common iliac vein
• External iliac lymph nodes
• Internal iliac lymph nodes
• Sacral lymph nodes
• Lumbar lymph nodes
• Cervical cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer
• CT scan
• MRI