Swollen Lymph Nodes

MRSA Slideshow

• Swollen Lymph Nodes Overview
• Swollen Lymph Nodes Causes
• Swollen Lymph Nodes Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Swollen Lymph Nodes Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Swollen Lymph Nodes Overview

Lymph nodes (erroneously called lymph glands) are a part of your lymphatic system, which is one of the body's barriers to infection and plays a role in the immune responses. When lymph nodes become swollen, it may signal an infection.

There are several groups of lymph nodes. The ones most frequently enlarged or swollen are in the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, and in the groin.

• The lymphatic system consists of nodes and ducts spread throughout the body. They bring the lymph (tissue fluids surrounding the cells) back into the circulation by way of the venous (veins) system. In the lymph, there is a concentration of infectious and other foreign substances (antigens).

• Lymph nodes are small clusters of cells, surrounded by a capsule. Ducts go in and out of them. The cells in lymph nodes are lymphocytes and macrophages (lymphocytes produce antibodies-protein particles that bind foreign substances including infectious particles-and macrophages digest the debris). They act as the "cleaner" cells of the body.

• The lymph nodes are a major site where foreign substances and infections interact with the cells of the immune system. A major cluster of the lymph nodes is the spleen, which, apart from other functions, also helps fight infections and responds to foreign substances.