Lymph Nodes and Its Function

Running head: LYMPH NODES
Lymph Nodes and Its Function
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1LYMPH NODES
Lymph node is a bean shaped small masses of tissue structure which is part of the
body’s immunity system. It is also known as lymph gland. Each and every individual has a
widespread lymphatic system comprises of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. A clear liquid
fluid known as lymphatic fluid is collected by the lymph vessels from tissues all over the
body (Simon & Campbell, 2016). The function of lymph node is to filter the substances
which go through the lymphatic fluid. They contain white blood cells or lymphocytes which
helps the body’s immunity system to fight foreign particles and infections. There are
hundreds of lymph nodes present in the human body and they are spread across the human
body (Simon & Campbell, 2016). Lymph nodes are situated in clusters and can be found in
the groin, armpit (axilla), neck, abdomen, and pelvis. For instance, around 20 to 40 lymph
nodes are present just in the axilla. In some cases, lymph nodes are situated superficially and
can be felt through the skin whereas some are situated deep within the body and cannot be
felt. To cite one example, lymph nodes situated in the neck can be felt (small pea or bean
sized shapes) whereas lymph nodes situated in the chest or abdomen cannot be felt (Simon &
Campbell, 2016).
Lymph nodes are categorized as secondary lymphoid systems whereas tonsils, thymus
gland, bone marrow, and spleen are the primary lymph organs. Lymph nodes structure is
complex and it is divided in to lobules. Each lobule comprises of an outer cortex, followed by
para- cortex and on the inside a core or medulla present. Commonly, B cells or B
lymphocytes are located in the cortex whereas dendritic cells and T cells or T lymphocytes
are located in the para- cortex. Other infection fighting white blood cells known as
macrophages are situated in the core or medulla. The whole lymph node is covered by a
tough fibrous capsule. The size of the lymph node can differ and its diameter can vary from
several millimetres to up to two centimetres (Munn & Padera, 2014).