Name two trunk regions commonly sequenced in MLD for lower-limb edema.

• A. Thoracic and cervical
• B. Abdominal trunk drainage only
• C. Abdominal/trunk drainage and inguinal region drainage
• D. Chest and upper back

Answer: (C)

In MLD for lower-limb edema, sequencing aims to move lymph from the leg toward the central drainage pathways by starting with proximal trunk regions to priming the central lymphatic system before addressing the limb itself. Draining the abdominal region activates the central trunks and stimulates flow toward the thoracic duct, helping to prep the system for accepting more lymph from the lower body. Following that, targeting the inguinal region provides the main regional gateway for lymph from the leg into the pelvis, effectively moving pooled lymph from the thigh and calf toward the trunk and onward.

Together, these two zones cover both central and regional proximal drainage specific to the lower limb, making them a common initial pairing. Other options focus on areas that are not the standard two-trunk proximal regions paired for this purpose, or omit a necessary step, which would weaken the efficiency of lymph movement from the leg into central pathways.