Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Ya. 2009

Lymphatic System
Lymphatic vessels and regional lymph nodes of individual body regions
Lymphatic vessels and nodes of the lower limb

The lower limb features superficial Lymphatic vessels, located above the superficial fascia, and deep ones, situated beneath it alongside the deep Blood Vessels (Arteries and Veins), as well as popliteal and inguinal Lymph Nodes.

Superficial lymphatic vessels originate from the lymphatic capillary plexuses of the Skin and subcutaneous tissue, forming medial and posterolateral groups on the lower limb. The Vessels of the medial group collect lymph from the medial PARTS OF THE FOOT, leg, and the entire thigh; they course along the path of the great saphenous vein and drain into the superficial inguinal lymph nodes (nodi lymphatici inguinales superficiales), which are located subcutaneously just below the inguinal ligament. These same nodes receive lymphatic drainage from the anterior abdominal wall (below the umbilicus), the gluteal region, external genitalia, Perineum, and parts of the pelvic Organs. The posterolateral lymphatic vessels carry lymph from the lateral aspect of the foot and leg, accompany the small saphenous vein, and empty into the popliteal lymph nodes (nodi lymphatici popliteales), which lie deep within the popliteal fossa near the popliteal artery and vein. Efferent vessels from the popliteal lymph nodes drain into the deep inguinal nodes (nodi lymphatici inguinales profundi), numbering from 1 to 7, located in the iliopectineal groove near the femoral artery and vein. The efferent lymphatic vessels of the inguinal lymph nodes pass through the vascular lacuna into the pelvic cavity to reach the external iliac lymph nodes.

Deep lymphatic vessels of the lower limb arise from lymphatic capillaries that drain lymph from deep structures: fasciae, tendons, Muscles, ligaments, joints, bones, and nerves. They accompany the major arteries and VEINS OF THE leg and thigh, coursing toward the deep inguinal lymph nodes. Numerous anastomoses exist between the superficial and deep vessels of the lower limb, piercing the fascia to interconnect the two systems.