A 30-year-old woman presents with acute appendicitis. During surgery, the surgeon traces the appendicular artery, a branch of the ileocolic artery. To which lymph node group does the appendix drain?

• A Superior mesenteric nodes at the root of the mesentery
• B Internal iliac nodes
• C Para-aortic nodes
• D Ileocolic lymph nodes ✓

Explanation

The appendix is supplied by the appendicular artery, a branch of the ileocolic artery. Its lymphatics follow this artery to the ileocolic lymph nodes, which are the primary drainage. Superior mesenteric nodes (A) represent a higher echelon beyond the ileocolic nodes. Para-aortic nodes (C) and internal iliac nodes (B) are not the primary drainage pathway for the appendix.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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