Internal iliac lymph nodes

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 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.

Anatomy

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.

The preaortic group consists of the following nodes:

• Paraaortic nodes: These nodes are located along the course of the abdominal aorta, just above the bifurcation into the common iliac arteries.
• Preaortic nodes: These nodes are found in front of the abdominal aorta, between the renal arteries and the bifurcation of the aorta.

The lateral group includes the following nodes:

• 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

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.

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.

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.

See Also

• Lymphatic system
• Pelvis
• Lymph nodes
• Prostate cancer
• Pelvic inflammatory disease