Paraaortic lymph node

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Lymph: Paraaortic lymph node
Lymph nodes (Paraaortic labeled in center in blue.)
Left Lumbar Lymph Nodes (Paraaortic Lymph Nodes)
1. Lateral aortic
2. Preaortic
3. Postaortic
4. Intermediate Lumbar

Right Lumbar Lymph Nodes (Paracaval Lymph Nodes)
5. Lateral caval
6. Precaval
7. Postcaval
Gray's subject #180 705

The paraaortic lymph nodes (also known as para-aortic, periaortic, and peri-aortic) are a group of lymph nodes that lie in front of the lumbar vertebral bodies near the aorta. These lymph nodes receive drainage from the lower gastrointestinal tract and the pelvic organs.

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[edit] Divisions

The paraaortic lymph node group is divided into three subgroups: preaortic, retroaortic, and right and left lateral aortic.

[edit] Dissection

When a paraaortic lymph node dissection or sampling is done as a part of the treatment of cancer, the lateral aortic lymph node group is the most important group. There are typically 15 to 20 lymph nodes on each side.

When dissected, the dissection usually includes the region from the bifurcation of the aorta to the superior mesenteric artery or the renal veins.

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