The gonadal lymph drainage primarily targets which nodes?

• A. Superficial inguinal
• B. External iliac
• C. Lateral aortic (lumbar)
• D. Internal iliac

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that gonadal lymphatics follow the path of the gonadal vessels to the retroperitoneal nodes. The testes and ovaries lie along the aorta, and their lymphatic drainage runs with the gonadal arteries to the para-aortic (lateral aortic/ lumbar) nodes near the origin of the gonadal vessels. That’s why the primary drainage targets are the lateral aortic (lateral aortic/para-aortic) nodes.

The other nodes listed drain different regions: superficial inguinal nodes handle skin and superficial tissues of the scrotum and perineum; external iliac nodes drain the lower anterior abdominal wall and pelvic structures; internal iliac nodes drain pelvic organs. Clinically, testicular cancer commonly spreads first to the para-aortic nodes, reflecting this drainage pattern.