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The inferior mesenteric lymph nodes consist of:
- (a) small glands on the branches of the left colic and sigmoid arteries
- (b) a group in the sigmoid mesocolon, around the superior hemorrhoidal artery
- (c) a pararectal group in contact with the muscular coat of the rectum
| Inferior mesenteric lymph nodes | |
|---|---|
 Lymphatics of colon. (Inferior mesenteric labeled at bottom center.) | |
 | |
| Details | |
| System | Lymphatic system |
| Drains to | Preaortic lymph node |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nodi lymphoidei mesenterici inferiores |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The inferior mesenteric lymph nodes are lymph nodes present throughout the hindgut.[1]
Afferents
The inferior mesenteric lymph nodes drain structures related to the hindgut;[1] they receive lymph from the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and proximal part of the rectum.[2]
Efferents
They drain into the superior mesenteric lymph nodes and ultimately to the preaortic lymph nodes.[1] Lymph nodes surrounding the inferior mesenteric artery drain directly into the preaortic nodes.[1]
Colorectal cancer may metastasise to the inferior mesenteric lymph nodes. For this reason, the inferior mesenteric artery may be removed in people with lymph node-positive cancer.[3] This has been proposed since at least 1908, by surgeon William Ernest Miles.[4]
Regional lymph tissue
Lymph nodes of the large intestine and lower abdomen
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