Lymphatic Drainage of Internal Genitalia: Uterus, Ovary, Tube, Cervix & Vagina
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE II—INTERNAL GENITALIA
The lymphatics of the uterus are contained within three main networks or plexuses one at the base of the endometrium, another in the myometrium, and a third subperitoneally. No lymphatics, surprisingly, have been detected in the superficial parts of the endometrium. The principal collecting trunks pass outward at the isthmus along the course of the uterine vessels. Drainage from the uterine body and from the cervix is similar, except that, in the region of the fundus, lymphatics are more likely to pass directly along with the ovarian lymphatics to the periaortic nodes. Occasionally, also, lymphatics may extend along the inguinal ligament to the femoral nodes. The number of lymph nodes in the group of parauterine nodes is small; most frequently there is a single node immediately lateral to each side of the cervix and adjacent to the pelvic course of the ureter. Although anatomists frequently do not comment about the parauterine nodes, the group receives special attention in radical surgical operations to treat uterine or cervical malignancy. Primary drainage to this node originates in the vagina, cervix, and uterus. Secondary drainage from this node is to the internal iliac nodes on the same side of the pelvis.









