lymph gland
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A small organ that is part of the lymphatic system, filtering lymph fluid and producing lymphocytes: A lymph gland, more commonly called a lymph node, is a bean-shaped structure that acts as a filter for harmful substances and contains immune cells to fight infection.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor checked the swollen lymph gland in her neck.
- An infection can cause a lymph gland to become enlarged and tender.
Advanced Usage
- "Swollen lymph gland": A common sign of the body fighting an infection, such as a cold or strep throat.
- Swollen lymph glands under the jaw often indicate a throat infection.
Variants and Related Words
- Lymph node (n): The more precise and commonly used medical term for a lymph gland.
- The cancer had spread to the lymph nodes.
- Lymphatic gland (n): A less common synonym.
- Lymph (n): The clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, filtered by the lymph glands.
- Lymphocyte (n): A type of white blood cell produced in lymph glands and other lymphatic tissues.
Synonyms
- Lymph node: The standard synonym in medical terminology.
- Lymphatic node: A formal variant.
Notes on Usage
- The term "lymph gland" is technically a misnomer, as these structures are not true glands that secrete substances. The accurate term is "lymph node". However, "lymph gland" remains in common usage.
- These structures are often referred to in the plural (e.g., ) as they exist in clusters throughout the body (e.g., in the armpit, groin, and neck).
Noun
- the source of lymph and lymphocytes