We all know that the when we get sick, it is the immune system that naturally works to fight off the foreign bodies that cause sickness. Some of us may not know though that it is the lymphatic system, of which the lymph nodes are a part of, that specifically work against infection. What exactly are the lymph nodes and the lymphatic system?

 Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes may sometimes be called as lymph glands but they are not real glands because they do not function similarly. These nodes are small, bean shaped masses of tissue, normally not going over a few millimeters or centimeters when nothing is wrong with the body. You have more than 500 lymph nodes that can be found throughout the body. You will normally notice or even feel clusters of them in some areas like the neck, behind the ears, groin, armpit, under the chin and under the jaw. These are connected by a network of vessels. The individual lymph nodes themselves are in capsules of fiber. Inside, they would look like a honeycomb with “cells” that are surrounded by supportive and connective tissues. Within this internal structure are contained lymphocytes. What normally happens in all of us is that a clear fluid called the lymph circulates throughout the body. This fluid contains water, protein and white blood cells. The lymph is then filtered through the lymph nodes. The lymphocytes in the nodes gather and wipe out harmful foreign bodies like viruses and bacteria that may cause infections and illnesses. 

Lymphocytes

The lymphocytes in the lymph nodes may either be T cells or B cells. T cells are the ones that act aggressively towards foreign cells or bacteria to eventually destroy them. The B cells are the ones that generate antibodies. Incidentally, some auto immune disorders happen when T cells mistakenly attack healthy cells in the body. These cells are also the ones that may reject organs during transplantation.  Swelling
In some instances you may notice just by touching cluster areas that your lymph nodes are swollen. Swelling happens when the body has an infection and the lymphocytes increase in quantity within the nodes to fight the infection. Common illnesses that cause swelling are tonsillitis, mumps, measles, ear infections, infected wounds and an impacted tooth. The lymph nodes may also become swollen due to a cancerous tumor. 

If you have an infection with swollen lymph nodes, you can expect the nodes to decrease in size after a few weeks or a little over a month after your condition has been treated. You should be concerned though if the swelling does not subside for months and if you feel tenderness in the cluster area. The area may also be pinkish or even red. See your doctor immediately if you suspect that something is not right with your lymph nodes.

In summary, lymph nodes are not actually something that you should be afraid of. Normal swelling may only be a sign that your lymphatic system is actively trying to keep you healthy.