The lymph from the testis drains primarily to which group of lymph nodes, and NOT to the inguinal nodes?
- A Para-aortic (lumbar) nodes at the level of L1–L2 ✓
- B External iliac nodes
- C Superficial inguinal nodes
- D Internal iliac nodes
Correct answer: A. Para-aortic (lumbar) nodes at the level of L1–L2
Explanation
Testicular lymphatics follow the gonadal blood vessels (testicular artery from aorta at L1–L2) and drain to para-aortic (lumbar) lymph nodes at the level of L1–L2, reflecting embryological origin from the gonadal ridge in the retroperitoneum. This is clinically significant: testicular tumours metastasize to para-aortic nodes, not to inguinal nodes. Inguinal node metastasis occurs only if tumour invades the scrotal skin, which has superficial inguinal drainage.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.