Lymph node facts for kids

A diagram showing the parts of a lymph node.

A lymph node is a small, bean-shaped organ that is a very important part of your body's lymphatic system. Think of lymph nodes as tiny filters found all over your body. They are full of special cells, including white blood cells, which are like your body's tiny soldiers. These soldiers help to catch and remove harmful things, like germs or sick cells, that don't belong in your body. Lymph nodes are super important for keeping your immune system working well and keeping you healthy!

Where Are Lymph Nodes Found?

A diagram showing where lymph nodes are found in the human body.

Lymph nodes are located throughout your body, but some places have more of them. You might be able to feel them in certain areas, especially when they are working hard to fight off an infection. The most common places where you can feel lymph nodes are in your neck, under your arms (your armpits), and in your groin area (where your legs meet your body). When you're sick, these nodes might swell up, which means they are busy fighting off germs!

What Do Lymph Nodes Do?

Lymph nodes play a key role in your body's defense system. They act like checkpoints along the lymphatic vessels. These vessels carry a clear fluid called lymph all around your body. As lymph flows through the lymph nodes, the white blood cells inside them check for anything unusual.

Fighting Infections

When germs like bacteria or viruses enter your body, they can travel in the lymph fluid. When this fluid reaches a lymph node, the white blood cells (especially lymphocytes) recognize these invaders. They then start to multiply and create special proteins called antibodys to fight off the infection. This is why your lymph nodes might swell and feel tender when you have a cold or the flu – they are working hard to protect you!

Filtering Harmful Substances

Besides fighting germs, lymph nodes also help to filter out other harmful substances or damaged cells from your body. They make sure that these unwanted materials are removed from the lymph fluid before it returns to your bloodstream. This cleaning process helps keep your body healthy and free from things that could make you sick.

Images for kids

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  A close-up view of a lymph node, showing its different parts.

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  A diagram showing how lymph fluid flows through a human lymph node.

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  Lymph node tissue, showing its internal structure.

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  A magnified view of lymph node tissue.

See also

In Spanish: Ganglio linfático para niños