Where are the lymph nodes?

Before figuring out where the lymph nodes are located, it would be nice to find out what they are. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system. It, in turn, is responsible for protecting our body from bacteria and viruses, it is also responsible for cleaning the body of various toxins. Lymph is circulating along the vessels of this system, and in the lymph nodes there is filtration of lymph, and also white blood cells, lymphocytes are created in them.

In case of infection in the body, intensified lymph nodes work begins, they produce lymphocytes, filter lymph and so on. In the case of a severe infection, the nodes can become inflamed and grow in size. When you touch the inflamed knot , a painful sensation arises, very often such a knot becomes visible to the naked eye. Due to this, it is possible to assume the localization of the infection in the body: where the lymph nodes become inflamed, there is a search for the disease.

From all this it is easy to understand how important lymph nodes are for the human body. That is why, undoubtedly, it is worthwhile to know where the lymph nodes are located, at least the largest and most important ones, and also to understand a little about their structure. The nodes are made of connective tissue and have a round or oval shape. Their size varies from 1 mm to 2 cm. They are located throughout the body, in groups of 8-10 pieces. The most important doctors consider inguinal, cervical and axillary lymph nodes.

Where are the lymph nodes in the neck? Under the jawbone, slightly lower in front of the neck. They, like most of the rest, you can try to grope yourself, small peas. Inflamed cervical nodes greatly increase in size. In addition to the usual pain when pressed, there may be unpleasant sensations when swallowing. They increase in size with different respiratory diseases, ear diseases and other organs in this area.

Where are the axillary lymph nodes? As it is not difficult to guess from the name, under the armpits and on the side of the chest. They are divided into three groups: located under the small pectoralis muscle, above the small pectoral muscle and on the side of it. In inflammation, these nodes can grow up to 3 cm. This may indicate illnesses of the respiratory tract or mammary gland.

Where are the inguinal lymph nodes? Sideways from the pubic bone, slightly higher, at the junction of the legs with the pelvis. In a normal state they are no more than an ordinary pea. Their inflammation may indicate infectious diseases of the kidneys, the genitourinary system, as well as of venereal diseases. By the way, with syphilis, inflamed lymph nodes do not hurt.

Of course, these three groups of lymph nodes are the most important, but not the only ones, the man has about 150 knots, they are all responsible for the health of the organs near which they are located. Some of them are probed by hands, others are hidden deep in the tissues. Therefore, you can not always find out where the lymph nodes are located.

Inflammation of any of the lymph nodes may indicate not only infectious diseases, but also the development of benign or malignant tumors. Thus, timely treatment to the doctor in case of their increase is extremely important. After all, the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the more chances for a successful outcome.

This article was supposed to help you get to know your body a little better. Few people think how important it really is. But a good knowledge of anatomy helps to save time on the trips to the doctor if you can not do without it, or, on the contrary, if necessary, seek medical help as soon as possible. But self-medication is best not to deal with. After all, no matter how well you know your body, without medical education and a number of analyzes, it is not always possible to put an accurate diagnosis.