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Dictionary » Lymph node

Lymph node

Introduction: Lymph node

Description of Lymph node

Lymph node: [TA] One of numerous round, oval, or bean-shaped bodies located along the course of lymphatic vessels, varying greatly in size (1-25 mm in diameter) and usually presenting a depressed area, the hilum, on one side through which blood vessels enter and efferent lymphatic vessels emerge. The structure consists of a fibrous capsule and internal trabeculae supporting lymphoid tissue and lymph sinuses; lymphoid tissue is arranged in nodules in the cortex and cords in the medulla of a node, with afferent vessels entering at many points of the periphery. SYN: nodus lymphoideus [TA], lymphonodus*, nodus lymphaticus*, lymph gland, lymphaden, lymphoglandula.
Source: Stedman's Medical Spellchecker, © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Lymph node: A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called a lymph gland.
Source: National Institute of Health

Lymph node: the source of lymph and lymphocytes.
Source: WordNet 2.1

Lymph node: any of the accumulations of lymphoid tissue organized as definite lymphoid organs, varying from 1 to 25 mm in diameter situated along the course of lymphatic vessels and consisting of an outer cortical and an inner medullary part; the main source of lymphocytes of the peripheral blood and, as part of the reticuloendothelial system, serves as a defense mechanism by removing noxious agents, such as bacteria and toxins.
Source: CRISP

Lymph node: They are oval or bean shaped bodies (1 - 30 mm in diameter) located along the lymphatic system.
Source: MeSH 2007

Lymph node: Related Topics

These medical condition or symptom topics may be relevant to medical information for Lymph node:

Lymph node as an Organ

Lymph node (organ): Another name for Lymph nodes.

Lymph node (organ): 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 node (organ): 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.

More information on organs: Lymph nodes: