Lymphatics of the lower limb

This chapter discusses the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and drainage areas of the lower extremities. The two main types of lymph nodes in the lower extremities are the regional and interval nodes. There are two types of regional lymph nodes in the lower extremities: inguinal and popliteal. Lymph vessels originating from the toes converge to the medial frontal aspect of the ankle, and those originating from the medial frontal part of the foot join the vessels from the first toe. The chapter further reviews anatomical variations in the deep lymph‐collecting vessels and lymphatic system of the lower extremities. The drainage areas of the lower extremities are divided into two territories. One involves the small saphenous lymph vessels and covers the area from the lateral heel to the posterior thigh. The second involves the great saphenous lymph vessels and covers the balance of the lower extremities.