During a right nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma, the surgeon dissects the renal hilar structures. Lymph from the kidney primarily drains to which nodal group?

• A Para-aortic (lateral aortic) nodes ✓
• B Superficial inguinal nodes
• C External iliac nodes
• D Common iliac nodes

Explanation

The kidney drains lymph primarily to the para-aortic (lateral aortic) lymph nodes located adjacent to the origin of the renal vessels from the aorta. This is because the kidney develops high in the retroperitoneum and retains this lymphatic drainage even if it fails to ascend (pelvic kidney). Inguinal nodes (B) drain the lower limb and external genitalia. External and common iliac nodes (C, D) are not the primary drainage for the kidney.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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