[1] The inferior mesenteric lymph nodes drain structures related to the hindgut;[1] they receive lymph from the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and proximal part of the rectum.

[1] Colorectal cancer may metastasise to the inferior mesenteric lymph nodes.

For this reason, the inferior mesenteric artery may be removed in people with lymph node-positive cancer.

[3] This has been proposed since at least 1908, by surgeon William Ernest Miles.

[4] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 710 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)