Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs of the immune system. They are located in many places in the body, for example on the neck, in the armpits, in the groin or in the abdomen.
Functions:
- You filter the lymph fluid (a clear body fluid that contains defence cells).
- They look like Filter stationsin which pathogens, foreign substances or damaged cells are recognised and combated.
- The lymph nodes contain many Defence cells (lymphocytes)which are important for the immune defence.
Special features:
- Lymph nodes can enlargewhen they are actively working against infections (e.g. colds or other infections).
- Swollen lymph nodes are often harmlessbut can also occur in more serious illnesses (e.g. certain types of cancer).
Lymph nodes are therefore an important part of the body's own Defence and cleaning.
