Definition

Noun: 1. Lymph node in the armpit: An axillary node is one of the lymph glands located in the armpit (axilla). These nodes are part of the lymphatic system and play a crucial role in filtering lymph fluid and fighting infections, particularly those from the arm, chest wall, and breast area.

Usage

• The term "axillary node" is used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe a specific component of the lymphatic system.
• It is often discussed in relation to health screenings, infections, or medical conditions like breast cancer, where the status of these nodes is important for diagnosis and staging.

Examples

• Noun:
  • During the examination, the doctor checked for swelling in the axillary node.
  • Cancer cells were detected in one axillary node, indicating the disease had spread.
  • An infection in the hand can cause the axillary nodes to become tender and enlarged.

Advanced Usage

• "Sentinel axillary node": This refers to the first lymph node(s) in the axillary region to receive lymphatic drainage from a tumor. It is identified and biopsied to determine if cancer has spread.
  • The surgeon performed a sentinel axillary node biopsy to assess the cancer's progression.

Variants and Related Words

• Axillary lymph node: This is a full and synonymous term for "axillary node."
• Axilla (n): The anatomical term for the armpit, the region where axillary nodes are located.
• Lymphadenopathy (n): A general term for disease or swelling of the lymph nodes, which can affect axillary nodes.

Synonyms

• Armpit lymph gland: A descriptive, non-technical synonym.
• Axillary lymph gland: A less common but accurate synonym.

Related Medical Terms

• Lymphadenectomy (n): The surgical removal of lymph nodes, such as an axillary lymph node dissection.
• Lymphatic system (n): The network of vessels and nodes, including axillary nodes, that helps fight infection and drain fluid from tissues.

Noun

1. any of the lymph glands of the armpit; fights infections in the neck and chest and arm regions