Lymph nodes are bundle of tissue mass which are round or oval shaped and small in size. They are generously distributed throughout the body and they are elements of immune system that helps and protects your body against various infection. Lymph nodes together form the lymphatic system that contains lymphatic fluid. This fluid moves through the entire body in the form of lymphocytes which helps in fighting against micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses.
Lymph Nodes are Found in Many Areas of The Body :
Lymph nodes can be easily detected in the neck region. But you may not know that lymph nodes are found throughout the body. It is found in almost every part of the body like ears, jaw, armpit and groin. There are hundreds of nodes distributed in the body. It is found behind the ears, front portion of the neck, in the armpits, back of the head, and in the groin. Tonsils are also part of lymph nodes and they get enlarged due to tonsillitis.
Functions of Lymph Nodes :
Lymph nodes are primarily involved in offering immunity to the body by fighting against infection causing organisms. In the form of fluid it travels throughout the body exchanging and filtering the fluid. They pick up the elements present in the bloodstream and moves further.
The Lymph :
For example, the lymph fluid of the fingers moves towards the chest after collecting the fluid and other substances from the arm. As they move upwards, the fluid filters the elements of the lymph nodes found at the elbow and underarm. Lymph fluid flows downward from the head and scalp region and collects fluid from the lymph nodes in the neck and drops them in the chest. The lymph fluid from the groin move upwards collecting and filtering substances in the journey and finally reaches the heart. Lymph nodes are also found in deeper regions of the body like the lungs and even in the bowel. The main function of lymphatic fluid is to filter impurities from the blood.