Lymph Node; Lymphatic System
  <Full Glossary>

 Related Terms
• surgical staging

 
 
Definition: The lymphatic system is a network of vessels which collect fluid from the tissues of the body and returns it to the blood. Lymphatic fluid (also called lymph) is rich in white blood cells that fight infection and an important part of the body's immune system. Intermittent throughout the system are small, bean-shaped nodes which function to filter the fluid and attempt to destroy the microorganisms and abnormal cells which collect there. During cancer staging, lymph nodes are often removed and examined for signs of malignant cells.

Pronunciation: limf node • (noun)

Also Known As: lymph gland, lymphatic gland

Examples: Some particular places in the body have groups of lymph nodes, such as inquinal nodes, which are in the groin area. Other groups of lymph nodes often biopsied for gyn cancers are the pelvic and para-aortic nodes.

Common Misspellings: lymf

Related Resources:

Cancer Staging

Diagram of Lymphatic System



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