A small bean-shaped structure that is part of the body's immune system. Lymph nodes filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid, and they contain lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help the body fight infection and disease.
Can you live without your lymph nodes?
You'll continue to be at risk of developing lymphoedema for the rest of your life after having lymph nodes removed. But there are many things you can do to keep this risk as low as possible, and it's important that you do these.
What are the three basic functions of a lymph node?
The lymphatic system has three functions:
- The removal of excess fluids from body tissues. ...
- Absorption of fatty acids and subsequent transport of fat, chyle, to the circulatory system.
- Production of immune cells (such as lymphocytes, monocytes, and antibody producing cells called plasma cells).
