Before you find out where the lymph nodes are, you need to understand what it is all about. The lymph node is part of the lymphatic system, which provides our body with protection against all kinds of viruses and bacteria. In addition, this system removes various toxins from the body. Blood circulation occurs in the vessels of the lymphatic system, and lymph filtration occurs in each of the nodes. This is where lymphocytes — white blood cells — are created.
The nodes consist of connective tissue and always have either an oval or round shape. Their size varies from one millimeter to two centimeters. They are located throughout the body and always in groups of 8-10 pieces. The most important are: the lymph node, which is located in the groin, on the neck and axillary lymph node.
What are they needed for?
If an infection of any nature appears in the human body, the lymph nodes begin to work actively: to produce lymphocytes, filter lymph, and so on. If a severe infection occurs, the nodes become larger in size. In addition, if you click on them, you can feel pain.
Sometimes the nodes increase so much that they can be seen even with the naked eye. Due to the increase in the node in certain areas of the body, it can be roughly assumed in which organs the infection exists. After all, where the lymph node is inflamed, there you need to look for the disease.
There is also a disease of the lymph nodes - cancer. When it is affected, it is not the organ adjacent to the node, but he himself.
Now you understand that the lymph nodes are incredibly important for the body. For this reason, everyone should understand where the lymph nodes are, even those that can be called the most important and largest.
Where are the lymph nodes on the neck?
They are located under the jaw, slightly lower and closer to the front of the neck. Like all others, you can try to probe them yourself. In normal condition, they should resemble peas in size. When the cervical lymph nodes are inflamed, they greatly increase in size. Not only that, when you press on them, not only pain appears, but also unpleasant feelings when swallowing.
An increase in the size of this group of nodes can occur due to respiratory diseases and diseases of other organs that are located in this area.
Where are the axillary lymph nodes?
Well, everything is pretty clear from the name itself - in the armpits. They are divided into 3 groups:
- Located above the pectoralis minor muscle.
- Located under it.
- Those that are on the side of such a muscle.
When inflammation occurs, such nodes increase to three centimeters. Most often, they indicate diseases of the breast or respiratory tract.
Where are the inguinal lymph nodes?
They are located on the side of the pubic bone at the junction of the legs and pelvis. In normal condition, their size reaches a pea. If they become inflamed, you may suspect kidney disease, sexually transmitted diseases, or diseases of the genitourinary system. It is noteworthy that with syphilis, the lymph nodes do not hurt at all.
The named groups of lymph nodes are the most important, but not the only ones. In total, about 150 nodes can be counted on the human body, each of which is responsible for the normal state of health of the organ located next to it.
Some of the lymph nodes can be felt with your hands, while others are very deeply hidden in the tissue. Therefore, you should understand that you can not always find the inflamed lymph node on your own.
We hope this article will help you know your body a little bit better. Indeed, for some reason, almost no one thinks that such a question as lymph nodes can be extremely important.