Before figuring out where the lymph nodes are located, it would be nice to know what they are. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system. She, in turn, is responsible for protecting our body from bacteria and viruses, she is also responsible for cleaning the body of various toxins. Lymph circulates through the vessels of this system, and lymph is filtered in the lymph nodes, and it is in them that white blood cells and lymphocytes are created.
In case of infection in the body, the intensified work of the lymph nodes begins, they produce lymphocytes, filter lymph and so on. In the case of a severe infection, the nodes can become inflamed and increase in size. When you click on the inflamed node , a painful sensation occurs, very often such a node becomes visible to the naked eye. Thanks to this, it can be assumed that the infection is localized in the body: where the lymph nodes become inflamed, it is worth looking for the disease.
From all this, it is easy to understand how important the lymph nodes are to the human body. That is why, of course, it is worth knowing where the lymph nodes are located, at least the largest and most important, as well as a little understanding of their structure. The nodes consist of connective tissue and have a round or oval shape. Their size varies from 1 mm to 2 cm. They are located throughout the body, in groups of 8-10 pieces. The most important doctors consider the inguinal, cervical and axillary lymph nodes.
Where are the lymph nodes on the neck? Under the jawbone, slightly lower in front of the neck. They, like most of the rest, you can try to feel for yourself, small peas. Inflamed cervical nodes greatly increase in size. In addition to the usual pain when pressed, discomfort may occur when swallowing. They increase in size with various respiratory diseases, diseases of the ears and other organs located in this area.
Where are the axillary lymph nodes? It is not difficult to guess from the name, armpits and side of the chest. They are divided into three groups: located under the pectoralis minor muscle, above the pectoralis minor muscle and on the side of it. With inflammation, these nodes can increase in size up to 3 cm. This may indicate diseases of the respiratory tract or breast.
Where are the inguinal lymph nodes? On the sides of the pubic bone, slightly higher, at the junction of the legs with the pelvis. In normal condition, they are no larger than a regular pea. Their inflammation may indicate infectious diseases of the kidneys, genitourinary system, as well as sexually transmitted diseases. By the way, with syphilis, inflamed lymph nodes do not hurt.
Of course, these three groups of lymph nodes are the most important, but far from the only ones, a person has about 150 nodes, they are all responsible for the health of the organs near which they are located. Some of them are palpated by hands, others are hidden deep in the tissues. Therefore, you can not always find out where the lymph nodes are located.
Inflammation of any of the lymph nodes may indicate not only infectious diseases, but also the development of benign or malignant tumors. Thus, timely access to a doctor in case of their increase is extremely important. After all, the sooner cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of a successful outcome.
This article was supposed to help a little better know your body. Few people think how really this is important. But a good knowledge of anatomy helps save time on trips to the doctor if you can do without it, or, conversely, if necessary, seek medical help as soon as possible. But self-medication is better not to do. After all, no matter how well you know your body, without a medical education and a number of tests, it is far from always possible to make an accurate diagnosis.