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. There are hundreds of lymph nodes found
throughout the body. They are connected to one another by lymph vessels.
Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the neck, axilla (underarm), chest,
abdomen, and groin. For example, there are about 20-40 lymph nodes in the
axilla. Also called lymph gland1.