The inferior mesenteric lymph nodes consist of:

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.

Efferents

They drain into the superior mesenteric lymph nodes and ultimately to the preaortic lymph nodes. 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. This has been proposed since at least 1908, by surgeon William Ernest Miles.

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