Where it is
Clustered in the neck (cervical), armpits (axillary), groin (inguinal), chest and abdomen. Lymph enters through afferent vessels and leaves through an efferent vessel at the hilum.
What it does
Filter lymph: macrophages remove debris, B cells in follicles produce antibodies and T cells in the paracortex coordinate responses.
Clinical relevance
- Swollen tender nodes near an infection are a normal response.
- Cancer spreads through lymph nodes; sentinel node biopsy checks the first node draining a tumor.
- Removing axillary nodes increases the risk of arm lymphedema.
Nursing focus
- Palpate nodes with the pads of the fingers in gentle circles, comparing both sides.