Abstract: Objective   To determine the number, size and distribution of superficial inguinal lymph nodes, as well as the source and external diameter of nutrient arteries, so as to provide anatomic basis for clinical flap transplantation with lymphatic vessel pedicle and lymph node transplantation in the treatment of limb edema.   Methods    The inguinal region of 4 adult cadavers (8 sides) was dissected, and the quadrants were divided with the great saphenous vein as the origin. The superficial lymph nodes and their nutrient vessels were measured and counted by Photoshop.    Results    A total of 38 lymph nodes were detected on 8 sides, including (2.3±0.7) nodes in Quadrant 1, (0.8±0.7) nodes in quadrant 2, (1.3±0.7) nodes in Quadrant 3, and (0.5±0.5) nodes in quadrant 4. Quadrant 1 was compared with Quadrant 2, Quadrant 3 and Quadrant 4, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). The sources and external diameters of the main arteries in the lymph nodes were as follows: Quadrant one was the superficial circumflex iliac artery, superficial abdominal artery, deep femoral artery, (0.53±0.23) mm; Quadrant two was the superficial circumflex iliac artery, superficial abdominal artery, (0.56±0.09) mm; Quadrant 3 was the femoral deep artery, (0.81±0.17) mm; Quadrant 4 was the femoral deep artery, (0.58±0.11) mm.    Conclusions    The number of lymph nodes in Quadrant 1 is more than that in the other three quadrants, and the area is relatively small. The external diameter of the nutrient artery meets the requirements of microsurgical vascular suture, and can be used as a candidate area for clinical flap transplantation with lymphatic vessel pedicle and lymph node transplantation.

Key words: Groin,  ,  , Lymph node,  ,  , Anatomy