[Topography of the interiliac lymph nodes--positional relationship to the ovary]

In order to define positional criteria for the distinction in clinical imaging techniques such as the CAT scan between lymph nodes and ovaries, 79 anatomical specimens (with the pelvis sectioned in the sagittal plane) were examined (25 females, 54 males). It was found, that the two groups of lymph nodes of the external iliac glands, the middle and internal chain, showed a statistically significant difference in length, with the former (having a mean extension of 17 mm) being 5 mm shorter than the latter. The lymph nodes of the middle chain were found in 79% medial to the cranial half of the external iliac artery. The lymph nodes of the internal chain were most frequently situated (66%) alongside the distal half of the external iliac vein. The mean size of the ovaries and lymph nodes was in accordance with published ata. The range of movement of the ovary was defined as a triangle or square. Its medial and lateral borders were, a few cases excepted, the floor of the pelvis or its wall. In relation to the external iliac artery, the ovary was situated in 56% of the specimens in the distal half. In only 17% was the ovary in the "fossa ovarica". A comparison of the most common positions of external iliac lymph nodes and ovary in relation to the extended iliac artery shows, that the position of the ovary and the lymph nodes of the internal chain are almost congruent. Therefore a distinction based on pure topologic data is not possible.