Lymph nodes

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Revision as of 11:32, 23 October 2018 by 170255963 (talk | contribs) (Added some detail concerning the inflammation of lymph nodes during infection.)
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Lymph nodes are small encapsulated structures that protect the body from foreign antigens. They do this by acting as a filter, trapping the particulate matter in the lymph that percolates through them[1].

Lymph nodes can be many different sizes and contain macrophages and lymphocytes (two different types of leucocytes) within their sinuses. These are essential in the immune system[2].

References

  1. Drake, R. Wayne Vogl, A. and Mitchell, A (2009). Gray's Anatomy. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone, p.32.
  2. Baggaley, A. (2001). Human Body. London: Dorling Kindersley, p.190.

 During periods of illness, lymph nodes tend to swell and increase size in response to the infection.