Medical Dictionary

lymph node

Pronunciation (limf nōd)

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One of numerous round, oval, or bean-shaped bodies located along the course of lymphatic vessels, varying greatly in size (1–25 mm in diameter) and usually presenting a depressed area, the hilum, on one side through which blood vessels enter and efferent lymphatic vessels emerge. The structure consists of a fibrous capsule and internal trabeculae supporting lymphoid tissue and lymph sinuses; lymphoid tissue is arranged in nodules in the cortex and cords in the medulla of a node, with afferent vessels entering at many points of the periphery.

Syn: nodus lymphoideus, * official alternate term for lymphonodus, * official alternate term for nodus lymphaticus, lymph gland, lymphaden, lymphoglandula

WebMD Medical Reference from "Stedman's Medical Dictionary"

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