Deep inguinal lymph nodes

The deep inguinal lymph nodes are located medial to the femoral vein and under the cribriform fascia. There are approximately 3 to 5 deep nodes. The superior-most node is located under the inguinal ligament and is called Cloquet's node.

Drainage
The deep inguinal lymph nodes drain superiorly to the external iliac lymph nodes, then to the pelvic lymph nodes and on to the paraaortic lymph nodes.

Clinical significance
The presence of swollen inguinal lymph nodes are an important clinical sign because swelling may indicate an infection (such as orchitis in males) in the lower extremities or spread from cancers, such as anal cancer and vulvar cancer.