Deep Inguinal Nodes

The deep inguinal lymph nodes are a small group of lymph nodes located deep to the fascia lata, medial to the femoral vein, in the upper thigh. They serve as a crucial relay point in the lymphatic drainage of the lower limb, external genitalia, glans penis or clitoris, and deep perineal structures. Though fewer in number than superficial inguinal nodes, they are important in clinical staging of cancers and lymphatic disorders.

Structure

The deep inguinal nodes are typically 1 to 3 in number. They lie deep to the superficial inguinal nodes and receive lymph from both superficial inguinal nodes and deep structures of the pelvis and perineum. One of these nodes — Cloquet’s (or Rosenmüller’s) node — is located at the highest point in the femoral canal and is sometimes considered the transitional node between the inguinal and pelvic lymphatic systems.

Notable Component

• Cloquet’s node: The uppermost deep inguinal node, located in the femoral canal, close to the inguinal ligament

Location

Deep inguinal lymph nodes lie medial to the femoral vein, deep to the cribriform fascia and fascia lata, within the femoral triangle of the thigh. They are located inferior to the inguinal ligament and are often closely associated with the femoral canal.

Function

• Lymph drainage:
  • From superficial inguinal nodes
  • Deep structures of lower limb (via deep lymphatics)
  • Glans penis and glans clitoris
  • Anterior urethra and deep perineum
• Efferent drainage: Drains into external iliac lymph nodes
• Immune function: Filters lymph and mounts immune responses to pathogens or malignancy

Clinical Significance

• Oncologic relevance: Assessed in cancers of the penis, vulva, urethra, and lower limb
• Cloquet’s node: Often biopsied during radical inguinal lymphadenectomy to check for pelvic spread
• Infection/inflammation: May enlarge in deep infections of the perineum or genitals