We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Lymph Nodes?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 62,907
Share

Lymph nodes are small but very important structures in the lymphatic system, which is part of the larger immune system in the body. These nodes act as filters, removing harmful particles and fighting off bacteria. Many people notice that some lymph nodes in their bodies become swollen when they get sick, because these structures are working overtime to produce more white blood cells to fight the infection. Swollen lymph nodes can also be symptoms of a more serious problem, like a cancer.

The lymph system is an extensive interconnected system which transports lymph, a clear to yellowish fluid, through the body. Lymph contains white blood cells called lymphocytes, along with certain proteins and some red blood cells. This fluid helps the body fight infection, and as it passes through the lymph nodes, these nodes pull infectious agents like bacteria out of the flow of lymph so that they do not continue to circulate through the body.

There are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body; when normally sized, the nodes are around the size and shape of a bean. A thick layer of fibrous tissue protects the inside of each node, which resembles a honeycomb. This honeycomb design acts as a filter to pull out particles which are too large to pass through it.

Once a lymph node has neutralized a harmful substance, it can release it into the lymph system again so that the body can secrete it, along with other bodily wastes. Several schools of massage and bodywork such as lymphatic drainage are focused on stimulating the flow of lymph to help clients remove toxins from their body. Any type of bodywork which interacts with the lymphatic system requires special training, as a client could be accidentally injured by a bodyworker.

These nodes are sometimes called “glands,” despite the fact that they do not produce hormones or other fluids. Swollen lymph nodes are not necessarily a cause for alarm, as they indicate that your body is fighting an infection, and doing so with at least some success. However, when one becomes extremely large or tender, it is a good idea to see a doctor. The contents of the lymph nodes are sometimes used as diagnostic tools to check for various conditions, and biopsies of surrounding these nodes are routinely taken when a cancer is identified, to ensure that the cancer has not spread into the lymphatic system.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a The Health Board researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon91591 — On Jun 22, 2010

my daughter has two small but noticeable things on the back of her head and they move. I'm scared. Can you tell me if they are lymph nodes? She is one year and seven months.

By anon7548 — On Jan 29, 2008

i have something on the side of my neck under my skin.. it is very small but i can feel it when i touch..

how can i know if it is a lymph node?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-are-lymph-nodes.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.