What are lymph nodes and what is their function?

Lymph nodes are small round, bean-shaped organs that are part of the lymphatic system. In turn, the lymphatic system and, therefore, the nodes, are a crucial component in the functioning of our immune system, which protects the body from possible infections and other diseases and their spread.

This lymphatic system is made up of vessels, somewhat larger than capillaries and smaller than veins. The fluid that bathes the cells of our body – interstitial fluid – is collected in part by capillaries and in part by the lymphatic system. This fluid, already as lymph or lymphatic fluid, is slowly transported to the venous system and from there to the heart.

The lymph is made up mainly of water, proteins, minerals and other nutrients and, in turn, by damaged cells or foreign particles such as bacteria or viruses and in cases of cancer , by cancer cells . All lymph passes through the strategically located lymph nodes, where the lymph is cleared of injured cells, cancer cells, and foreign particles.

Lymph nodes contain specialized white blood cells (for example, T and B lymphocytes and macrophages ), designed to engulf and destroy damaged cells, cancer cells, infectious microorganisms, and foreign particles.

Thus, the main functions of the lymphatic system are to remove damaged cells from the body., prevent the spread of an infection (most common) or cancer, in addition to spreading the immune response throughout the rest of the body.

The most nodes are located under the skin at strategic points on the body, especially in -cervicales supraclaviculares- neck, armpits ; others are not accessible. These nodes usually measure from half a centimeter to one centimeter in diameter, although in the groin they can reach two centimeters in normal situation. Sometimes these nodes can be felt under the skin.

Read more about lymph nodes: Why are the lymph nodes swollen? Causes and treatment