Lymph nodes are an important element of the human lymphatic system, which plays an important role in the body's immune defense. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes, capillaries and organs through which lymph circulates, a fluid containing antibodies and white blood cells that functions to fight infections. The main accumulation of lymphoid organs is the thymus, a gland that is the precursor of the child’s immune system at an early stage of its development. In an adult, the main part of functioning immunocompetent cells (T-lymphocytes) is localized in peripheral infiltrates, including bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, inguinal lymphatic and skin lymphatic follicles.
Lymphoid tissue or lymph nodes may be subject to excess accumulation of foreign antigens (antigens other than one's own tissues that the body will later need to recognize and destroy). Excessive accumulation of foreign substances in the lymph nodes can lead to the development of hyperplasia, in which lymphoid cells actively divide (a process necessary for the growth of the lymphocyte population and their differentiation). This formation of lymphoid tissue in enlarged lymph nodes and nearby tissues is called lymphadenopathy. Enlarged lymph nodes due to lymphadenopathy can be observed in a number of infections, inflammatory processes, diseases of the cardiovascular system, and tumor processes. Therefore, the detection of enlarged lymph nodes, which in itself can be one of the manifestations of various diseases, becomes a dangerous diagnostic finding, which is an indication for further thorough examination, the purpose of which is to clarify the diagnosis.
Cervical lymph nodes are a group of lymphoid formations located in the superficial layers of the neck behind the lower border of the thyroid gland. They are part of the subcutaneous lymphatic network that covers the neck and face. The function of the cervical lymph nodes is to cleanse the lymph coming into them from the head, neck, chest and upper abdomen. When the body is exposed to infection, bacteria or other pathogens, the cervical lymph glands begin to actively produce lymphocytes that fight infection and provide protection to the body. In addition, they are also involved in transporting nutrients and other waste products to other organs. As they increase in size, they should be described as hyperplasia of the lymphoid system.
Depending on the cause of the enlargement, the lymph nodes in the neck may become soft or hard without causing discomfort. However, if they become hard and
A lymph node is a peripheral organ of the lymphatic system that performs the function of a biological filter, a protective barrier against infections. These are special types of glands that filter and purify lymphatic fluid, providing protection along the lymphatic vessels. They are part of the immune system.
Human lymph nodes are located on the neck, under the armpits, in the iliac fossa, on the back of the head, in the groin, near the elbows. A person has quite a lot of them, according to statistics - at least seventy. The lymphoid tissue of these glands is capable of growing very quickly and forming new nodes if necessary. This most often happens in infectious diseases, when the soldier cells of the immune system are activated