1. The =precrural= or =subiliac lymph glands= (Lg. subiliacæ) are
situated in the fold of the groin on the anterior border of the tensor
fasciæ latæ, about midway between the point of the hip and the patella
(Figs. 450, 451, 457). They lie on the course of the posterior branch of
the circumflex iliac artery, and number usually about a dozen. They
receive superficial lymph vessels from the hip, thigh, and flank. Their
efferent vessels ascend with the posterior circumflex iliac vein, enter
the abdomen near the external angle of the ilium, and join the external
iliac lymph glands.
2. The =deep inguinal lymph glands= (Lg. inguinales profundæ) form a
large group situated in the upper part of the femoral canal between the
pectineus and sartorius muscles (Figs. 451, 457). They cover the femoral
vessels and are related superficially to the inguinal ligament. They
receive nearly all of the lymph vessels of the limb below them. Their
efferent vessels ascend to the internal iliac glands.
3. The =popliteal lymph glands= (Lg. popliteæ), usually four to six in
number, lie behind the origin of the gastrocnemius and between the
biceps femoris and semitendinosus at the division of the posterior
femoral artery into its primary branches (Fig. 455). They receive the
deep lymph vessels of the distal part of the limb. Their efferent
vessels chiefly follow the course of the femoral vessels to the deep
inguinal glands, but one or two ascend in company with a vein along the
great sciatic nerve and may enter a gland at the lesser sciatic notch.
From this a vessel accompanies the internal pudic vein and joins the
internal iliac glands.
Several superficial lymph vessels ascend with or near the internal
metatarsal and saphenous veins, enter the femoral canal, and end in
the deep inguinal glands.