Lymph node


One of many small, bean-shaped organs located throughout the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes are important in the function of the immune response and also store special cells that can trap cancer cells or bacteria that are traveling through the body through the lymph. Also known as lymph gland.

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  • Lymph node, sentinel

    The first lymph node to receive lymphatic drainage from a tumor. The sentinel node for a given tumor is found by injecting a tracer substance around the tumor. This substance then travels through the lymphatic system to the sentinel node. The tracer substance may be a blue dye that can be tracked visually or a […]

  • Lymphadenitis, regional

    Cat scratch disease, a mild flu-like infection, with swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) and mild fever of short duration, due to cat scratches, especially from kittens. There is usually a little bump (a papule) which may be pus-filled (a pustule) at the site of the scratch. The infection is self-limited and usually goes away by itself […]

  • Lymphadenopathy

    Abnormally enlarged lymph nodes. Commonly called swollen glands.

  • Lymphadenopathy virus

    Another name for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS. HIV has also been called the human lymphotropic virus type III and the lymphadenopathy-associated virus and the lymphadenopathy virus. No matter what name is applied, it is a retrovirus. (A retrovirus has an RNA genome and a reverse transcriptase enzyme. Using the reverse […]

  • Lymphangiogram

    An X-ray of the lymphatic system for which a dye is injected to outline the lymphatic vessels and organs.


Disclaimer: Lymph node definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.