What are lymph nodes and what do they do for the body?

Lymph nodes are a part of the body that play a big role in the human immune system. Unfortunately, these glands are also very susceptible to disorders and diseases. You may have often heard about enlarged lymph nodes or even lymph node cancer. So what exactly are lymph nodes and what do they do for the body? Check it out below.

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are small tissue structures that resemble kidney beans. Lymph nodes can be as small as a pinhead or the size of an olive.

There are hundreds of lymph nodes in the body and these glands can be found alone or in collections. Many lymph nodes are found in the neck, inner thighs, armpits, around the intestines, and between the lungs.

Lymph nodes have white blood cells which are immune cells that help the body fight infection.

The main function of lymph nodes is to filter lymph fluid (which consists of fluid and waste products from body tissues) from nearby organs or areas on the body. Together with the vessels of the spleen, lymph nodes build up the lymph system.

Lymph nodes and lymph system

After knowing what lymph nodes are, you must understand how the lymph system works. The lymph system is an important part of the immune system, aka the body's defense system against disease. The lymph system is a tissue in the body that is formed from the vessels of the spleen and lymph nodes.

The lymph system collects fluid, waste products, and other things (such as viruses and bacteria) in the body's tissues, outside the bloodstream. Lymph vessels carry lymph fluid to lymph nodes. Once the fluid is drained, the lymph nodes filter it, trapping bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances. Then, the harmful agents are destroyed by lymphocytes, which are specialized white blood cells. Then, the filtered liquid, salt, and protein are returned to the bloodstream.

When there is a problem such as infection, injury, or cancer, the lymph nodes or groups of lymph nodes can become enlarged or swollen as they work to fight off bad agents. The neck, inner thighs, and armpits are areas where lymph nodes often swell.

Therefore, if you experience swelling in the areas that have been mentioned earlier, you should check with a doctor.

Lymph nodes and cancer

Sometimes people get lymph node cancer. There are two ways cancer can appear in the lymph nodes:

Cancer originates from these glands
Cancer spreads to the glands from other places

If you have cancer, your doctor will check your lymph nodes to see if they are affected by cancer. The usual tests performed to diagnose lymph node cancer are: