Lymph node

Lymph node
Diagram showing major parts of a lymph node
Lymph nodes form part of the lymphatic system, and are present in most parts of the body, and connected by small lymphatic vessels.
Details
System	Lymphatic system, part of the immune system
Identifiers
Latin	nodus lymphaticus (singular); nodi lymphatici (plural)
MeSH	D008198
TA98	A13.2.03.001
TA2	5192
FMA	5034
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

A lymph node, or lymph gland,^[1] is a kidney-shaped organ of the lymphatic system and the adaptive immune system. A large number of lymph nodes are linked throughout the body by the lymphatic vessels. They are major sites of lymphocytes that include B and T cells. Lymph nodes are important for the proper functioning of the immune system, acting as filters for foreign particles including cancer cells, but have no detoxification function.

In the lymphatic system, a lymph node is a secondary lymphoid organ. A lymph node is enclosed in a fibrous capsule and is made up of an outer cortex and an inner medulla.

Lymph nodes become inflamed or enlarged in various diseases, which may range from trivial throat infections to life-threatening cancers. The condition of lymph nodes is very important in cancer staging, which decides the treatment to be used and determines the prognosis. Lymphadenopathy refers to glands that are enlarged or swollen. When inflamed or enlarged, lymph nodes can be firm or tender.