THE ARTERIAL BLOOD-SUPPLY OF HUMAN INGUINAL AND MESENTERIC LYMPH-NODES

  • 1 February 1986
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 144, 221-233
Abstract
Injection of the arterial tree supplying human inguinal (superficial) and mesenteric (deep) lymph nodes was performed using a barium sulphate suspension. Radiography and histological examination showed two distinct types of arterial supply to lymph nodes. The superficial inguinal nodes are generally supplied by a single artery which penetrates the hilum and then radiates outwards to the lymph node pulp. The deep mesenteric lymph nodes, in contrast, are invariably supplied by several separate arteries which penetrate the nodal capsule, enter the trabeculae and run centripedally. These differences reflect the microanatomical differences in structure between deep and superficial lymph nodes. The two types of blood supply may be responsible for the different patterns of ischaemia found in deep and superficial lymph nodes. The finding re-emphasise the heterogeneous character of lymph nodes in man.