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Lymph nodes, enlarged.(Causes and Treatment)(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Article from:
- Clinical Reference Systems
- Article date:
- January 1, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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What are lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are part of the lymph system. The lymph system helps the body fight infection. It includes the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and other parts of the body's immune and blood-forming systems, such as the spleen and bone marrow.
The lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped organs in the neck, armpits, groin, and elsewhere throughout the body. Lymph nodes make and store infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes and monocytes. These blood cells are carried in the lymph fluid. The lymph nodes also filter the lymph fluid, keeping bacteria and other organisms out of the bloodstream. The nodes may also trap cancer cells. The ...