Inferior mesenteric lymph nodes explained

Inferior mesenteric lymph nodes
Latin:	nodi lymphoidei mesenterici inferiores
Drainsto:	Preaortic lymph node

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

Structure

The inferior mesenteric lymph nodes are lymph nodes present throughout the hindgut.

Afferents

The inferior mesenteric lymph nodes drain structures related to the hindgut; they receive lymph from the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and proximal part of the rectum.^[1]

Efferents

They drain into the superior mesenteric lymph nodes and ultimately to the preaortic lymph nodes.^[2] Lymph nodes surrounding the inferior mesenteric artery drain directly into the preaortic nodes.

Clinical significance

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]

Notes and References

1. Book: Sobotta Anatomy Textbook . 2018 . Friedrich Paulsen, Tobias M. Böckers, J. Waschke, Stephan Winkler, Katja Dalkowski, Jörg Mair, Sonja Klebe, Elsevier ClinicalKey . 978-0-7020-6760-0 . Munich . 345 . 1132300315.
2. Book: Drake, Richard L.. Gray's anatomy for students. 2005. Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone. Philadelphia. 978-0-8089-2306-0. Vogl, Wayne; Tibbitts, Adam W.M. Mitchell; illustrations by Richard; Richardson, Paul. 307.
3. Kim. J.C.. Lee. K.H.. Yu. C.S.. Kim. H.C.. Kim. J.R.. Chang. H.M.. Kim. J.H.. Kim. J.S.. Kim. T.W.. The clinicopathological significance of inferior mesenteric lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer. European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 30. 3. 271–279. 10.1016/j.ejso.2003.12.002. 2004. 15028308.
4. Pezim. M. E.. Nicholls. R. J.. Survival after high or low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery during curative surgery for rectal cancer. Annals of Surgery. 200. 6. 729–733. 1250590. 1984. 6508403. 10.1097/00000658-198412000-00010.