Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small, bean-shaped structure that is part of the lymphatic system: A lymph node filters lymph fluid and contains lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help fight infection and disease. It is a key component of the body's immune system.

Usage

• As a subject: A lymph node often becomes swollen when the body is fighting an infection.
• As an object: The doctor examined the patient's lymph node for signs of abnormality.
• With prepositions: Cancer cells were found in the lymph node. The infection spread to the lymph node.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Sentinel lymph node": The first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor.
  • A sentinel lymph node biopsy is a common procedure for breast cancer staging.
• "Lymph node involvement": A medical term indicating whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
  • The prognosis depends on the extent of lymph node involvement.

Variants and Related Words

• Lymph (noun): The clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system, carrying cells that help fight infection.
• Lymphatic (adjective): Relating to lymph or the lymphatic system (e.g., lymphatic vessel).
• Lymphocyte (noun): A type of white blood cell found in lymph nodes and the bloodstream.

Synonyms

• Lymph gland (Note: While sometimes used interchangeably, "lymph node" is the more precise modern medical term.)

Related Phrases

• Swollen lymph nodes: A common condition where lymph nodes enlarge due to infection or other causes.
  • She had swollen lymph nodes under her jaw.
• Lymph node dissection: A surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
  • The patient underwent a lymph node dissection during the operation.

Noun

1. the source of lymph and lymphocytes