A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels and contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph).
Any of the small structures that filter lymph and contain lymphocytes. Lymph nodes are concentrated in several areas of the body, such as the armpit, groin, and neck. Also called lymph gland.
Small, kidney-shaped organs that contain large numbers of lymphocytes and macrophages; these nodes occur alone and in chains along the lymphatic duct.
A small, hollow structure found along a lymph vessel, generally occurring in clusters in some parts of the body. Lymph nodes contain concentrations of lymphocytes, white blood cells that attack invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Lymphocytes travel in and out of the lymph nodes via lymph vessels to circulate freely throughout the bloodstream, searching for harmful organisms and repairing damaged cells. Inside the lymph nodes, the white blood cells trap and kill microorganisms.
One of a number of small swellings found at intervals along the lymphatic system. Groups of nodes are found in many parts of the body; for example, in the groin and armpit and behind the ear. They are composed of lymphoid tissue and act as filters for the lymph, preventing foreign particles from entering the bloodstream; they also produce lymphocytes.
Swellings which occur at various points in the lymphatic system through which lymph drains. They have two main functions: (1) the interception and removal of abnormal or foreign material from the lymph; (2) the production of immune responses. The lymph nodes become enlarged when the area of the body which they drain is the site of infection or as a manifestation of some systemic diseases. Occasionally they are the site of primary or metastatic malignant disease.
One of thousands of small kidney-shaped organs of lymphoid tissue that lie at intervals along the lymphatic vessels.
A small, bean-shaped organ that contains small fibers that remove particles from the lymph.
Gland-like structures found inside lymphatic vessels; filter the lymphatic vessels and help fight infection.
Small, bean-shaped structures of tissue that are located along the vessels of the lymphatic system, which is a critical part of the immune system. Lymph nodes are essential because they filter bacteria and cancer cells from the lymphatic fluid.
A diminutive framework dispersed across the body, constituting an integral component of the lymphatic system, with the primary function of sieving the passage of lymph a typically transparent fluid emanating from progenitor cells.
A lymph node is a small organ positioned along a lymphatic vessel. Often, they’re mistakenly referred to as lymph glands. Their size can range from being microscopic to about 2.5 cm in diameter.
A lymph node has a slender, fibrous exterior shell and an internal section made of lymphoid tissue. Several small lymphatic vessels pierce the outer capsule, bringing lymph into the node. Inside, the node features sinuses (cavities) where lymph gets filtered. One bigger vessel then transports the lymph away from the node.
Lymph nodes serve as protective barriers, eliminating or filtering bacteria to prevent them from entering the bloodstream. As lymph flows through a node, its pace is slowed by the narrow pathways within the sinuses. This deceleration enables macrophages (white blood cells that consume and destroy foreign and deceased matter) to sift out microorganisms from the lymph. Moreover, within the lymph node, germinal centers produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that assists in combating infections.