Lymphatics from the glans penis and the upper scrotum drain to which lymph node group?

• A Deep inguinal (Cloquet's node) lymph nodes
• B External iliac lymph nodes
• C Superficial inguinal lymph nodes ✓
• D Internal iliac lymph nodes

Explanation

Lymph from the skin of the penis (including glans), scrotum, perineum, and lower anal canal drains to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes (horizontal and vertical groups). This is a clinically critical distinction: carcinoma of the penile skin and glans metastasizes to superficial inguinal nodes first. In contrast, lymphatics from the testes follow the testicular vessels to para-aortic nodes at L1 (NOT inguinal nodes), which is why testicular carcinoma does not present with inguinal lymphadenopathy unless the scrotal skin is invaded. Deep inguinal nodes and external iliac nodes drain the deep penile structures and bladder.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.