lymph nodes

lymph nodes

Small, rounded structures along the small vessels of the lymphatic system that produce disease-fighting white blood cells and filter out harmful microorganisms and toxins from the lymph. Lymph nodes may become enlarged when they are actively fighting infection.

Main Entry: lymph node
Function: noun
: any of the rounded masses of lymphoid tissue that are surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue, are distributed along thelymphatic vessels, and contain numerous lymphocytes which filter the flow of lymph passing through the node called also lymph gland

lymph node n.
Any of the small, oval or round bodies, located along the lymphatic vessels, that supply lymphocytes to the bloodstream and remove bacteria and foreign particles from the lymph. Also called lymph gland, lymphoglandula, lymphonodus.