Lymph nodes

Although the Lymph nodes Often lost in their relevance in contrast to other organs due to their rather inconspicuous anatomy, many people know their importance in connection with the occurrence of tumors. The lymph nodes are very important for the health of the body.

What are lymph nodes

As part of the definition of the Lymph nodes, individually Nodus lymphoideus, these complex structures are known as nodular organs of the lymphatic system.

The so-called lymphatic system represents the transport route for the so-called lymph or lymph fluid, which also passes through the lymph nodes. In older medical literature, the term nodus lymphaticus occurs frequently.

With an average diameter of one to two centimeters, the lymph nodes are not large and can be felt from the outside. The lymph nodes are distributed over the entire human body and anchored in very specific positions.

Anatomy & structure

To yourself a Lymph nodes In terms of its structure, a kind of network should be thought of. The bean-like lymph node is surrounded by a layer of connective tissue. The lymph node cortex and the so-called middle region are located under this covering from the outside in.

This zone protects the inner core, which in anatomy is also called the inner marrow. In order to create a network-like branching from one lymph node to the next, the connective tissue sheath is characterized by finely structured "connecting arms", the trabeculae.

The lymph sinus penetrates through the entire coverings of the lymph node. This structure is about a cavity within which the lymph fluid moves into the inner nodal marrow, through the nodal hilus back into the trabecula and to the next lymph node. The lymph node is practically a filter through which there is a flow.

Functions & tasks

The task of Lymph nodes is to filter out all the particles in the lymph fluid. For this reason, the lymph nodes are an indispensable part of an intact natural defense mechanism.

If individual foreign bodies, for example cancer cells or microorganisms, are too large, they remain trapped in the network structure of the lymph node. Now the body's own immune substances are added and kill these pathogens. In addition, the lymph nodes themselves are able to implement this defense mechanism.

So-called defense cells are stored in the lymph nodes. These are called T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes and scavenger cells or macrophages (macro = large) and take on exactly the same defense tasks that are performed by leukocytes, the white blood cells. These cells are part of the lymphatic system and, like leukocytes, can multiply if germs can be filtered out.

Under this aspect, the lymph nodes represent a kind of "security police" in the body. The lymph nodes are able to remove pathogens, foreign solid substances such as asbestos or tumor cells from the lymph fluid and to decompose them.

Diseases

As a clear indication of a disease present in the organism, the medical professionals feel and examine the Lymph nodes The condition of the lymph nodes is not only important as a differential diagnosis, but also as an indication of an externally not yet recognizable disease. The lymph nodes swell, increase in size.

The lymph nodes themselves can also become diseased. Typical diseases of the lymph nodes are infection with HIV pathogens or what is known as Pfeiffer's glandular fever. If undetected tumor cells migrate in the organism by way of the lymph fluid, they can remain in the lymph nodes and continue to proliferate there.

If a cancerous tumor develops in the lymph nodes due to degeneration of the lymph cells, this disease is known as lymphoma. In connection with the lymph nodes and lymphomas, non-Hodgkin or Hodgkin lymphomas (see Hodgkin's disease (Hodgkin's lymphoma)) play a central role in differential diagnosis.

In addition, people may have symptoms that originate from the lymph nodes and are known as lymphadenitis. This disease is based on an inflammatory process in the lymph nodes and is characterized by different courses. Lymph node cancer is usually always about malignant growths, which can occur in addition to Hodgkin's disease and which have a good prognosis thanks to ideal treatment methods.

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Typical & common diseases

• Glandular Pfeiffer fever
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Burkitt lymphoma
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes
• Lymphangitis