What do the popliteal lymph nodes do and where are they located?
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What do the popliteal lymph nodes do and where are they located?
The popliteal nodes, or popliteal lymph nodes, include six or seven nodes and are located in the legs near the knees at the popliteal fossa. They service the lower legs and feet for the lymphatic system.
Where is the popliteal node?
The popliteal lymph nodes (often shortened to the popliteal nodes) are the deep lymph nodes within the popliteal fossa of the knee, proximate to the popliteal vessels.
How many popliteal lymph nodes are there?
There are usually approximately 6 to 7 popliteal lymph nodes and they are embedded in the popliteal fat. One lies at the point where the short saphenous vein joins the popliteal vein.
What is the function of the popliteal in the lymphatic system?
They drain lymph from superficial lymphatic vessels, which accompany the small saphenous vein, as well as, deep areas of the leg and foot. Rarely they also drain the overlying skin.
What is the popliteal?
The popliteal arteries branch from the femoral arteries in your legs to deliver blood to your knees and lower legs. They run behind your kneecap, where you can feel the popliteal pulse.
What causes popliteal lymph nodes to swell?
Swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy or adenopathy, are usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. Lymphadenopathy may also occur in response to certain autoimmune diseases, medications, and cancers.
What does popliteal mean in anatomy?
The Popliteal Fossa is a diamond-shaped space behind the knee joint. It is formed between the muscles in the posterior compartments of the thigh and leg. This anatomical landmark is the major route by which structures pass between the thigh and leg.
Is there a lymph node above your knee?
The popliteal lymph nodes, small in size and some six or seven in number, are embedded in the fat contained in the popliteal fossa, sometimes referred to as the ‘knee pit’.
What drains into the popliteal lymph nodes?
Popliteal lymph nodes are deep structures encountered under the investing fascia of the leg, and they receive the lymphatic drainage of the deep structures of the distal leg and foot. Although infrequent, the lymphatic drainage from the skin is direct to these lymph nodes in some individuals.
