Lymph nodes

Introduction: Lymph nodes

The lymph nodes are small nodules that form part of the lymphatic system, which distributes various immune-related cells around the body. Lymph nodes tend to swell if there is a nearby infection, because the lymph nodes are involved in the immune system's fight against the infection (see swollen lymph nodes). The best known lymph nodes are in the neck, the armpits, and the groin. However, there are a great many lymph nodes all over the body.

Summary Information: Lymph nodes

Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are glands that consist of lymphatic tissues enclosed by a fibrous capsule. Lymph nodes contain scavenging white blood cells that fight infection and prevent its spread to more areas of the body. Lymph nodes act as filters that strain out potentially harmful pathogens and microorganisms from lymph fluid that has drained from tissues or organs before it is returned to the venous circulation. Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign of disease or infection. Many lymph nodes are found in the axilla and groin areas.

Lymph nodes contain sinuses, germinal centers, trabeculae, scavenger cells, and reticular fibers. Conditions that can afflict lymph nodes include lymphadenopathy, cat scratch fever, swollen lymph nodes, metastasis of cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma.

Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped organs of the immune system distributed throughout the body tissue. (Source: excerpt from NHLBI, Sarcoidosis: NHLBI)

Closely Related Organs: Lymph nodes

The following organs are closely related to the organ: Lymph nodes:

• Immune system
• Circulatory system
• Veins
• Glands
• Axilla
• Groin
• Efferent lymph vessel
• Microorganisms
• Pathogens

Conditions Afflicting Organs: Lymph nodes

The following conditions are related to the organ: Lymph nodes:

• Cat scratch fever
• Lymphadenopathy
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Metastasis of cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma

Other Names: Lymph nodes

The following are other names for the organ: Lymph nodes:

• Lymph glands

Sub Parts: Lymph nodes

The following list contains sub-parts of the organ: Lymph nodes:

• Lymph
• Lymphatic tissue
• Lymph node capsule
• Lymph node sinus
• Germinal centers
• Trabeculae
• Scavenger cells
• Reticular fibers
• White blood cells

Symptoms Related to Afflictions of: Lymph nodes

These symptoms are related to afflictions of the organ: Lymph nodes:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Tender lymph nodes
• Edema/swelling around lymph node
• Fatigue
• Infections
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Fever

Condition count: 9 ; see list below.

Organ subtypes: sentinel lymph nodes

Organ types: Glands (79), Lymphatic system (9), Immune system (145)

Related organs: lymph, lymphatic system (9), lymphatic vessels (2), lymphatic tissue

Organs: list of all organs

Lymph nodes: Related Topics

• Lymph
• Lymph symptoms
• Lymph problem
• Nodes

Diseases List for Lymph nodes:

The following list of medical conditions have 'Lymph nodes' or similar listed as an affected body part in our database:

H

• Hodgkin's Disease ... lymph nodes

L

• Lymphadenitis ... lymph nodes
• Lymphatic Filariasis ... lymph nodes
• Lymphedema ... lymph nodes
• Lymphoma ... lymph nodes

M

• Mycosis fungoides ... lymph nodes

N

• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma ... lymph nodes

S

• Sarcoidosis ... lymph nodes
• Sporotrichosis ... lymph nodes

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