A 28-year-old man presents with a left testicular tumour. During staging, imaging reveals enlarged para-aortic lymph nodes at the level of L1-L2. Through which anatomical pathway do testicular lymphatics reach these nodes?

• A Along the testicular veins
• B Along the ductus deferens
• C Along the testicular (gonadal) arteries ✓
• D Along the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve

Explanation

The testis descends from the posterior abdominal wall near the kidney, and its lymphatic vessels follow the testicular arteries retroperitoneally to the para-aortic nodes at L1-L2. The testicular artery arises from the aorta at L1-L2, exactly matching the nodal level. Option A is tempting because testicular veins ascend, but lymphatics accompany arteries, not veins. Option B describes the pathway for epididymal drainage. Option D is not a lymphatic pathway.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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