PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your body’s security checkpoint

LYMPH NODES

Lymph nodes are like tiny security stations scattered throughout your body.
As lymphatic fluid flows through, these nodes filter out waste, bacteria, and viruses — and activate immune cells when needed.

Here’s what it helps with:

  • Act as filters that trap pathogens, debris, and toxins from lymph

  • Provide a meeting place for immune cells (like T-cells and B-cells) to detect invaders

  • Produce and store certain immune cells

  • Help launch an immune response when a threat is found

  • Swell up (become tender “glands”) when fighting an infection

LYMPH NODE BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for lymph node related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Cervical Nodes - Lymph nodes in your neck (often swell with colds/infections)

Axillary Nodes - Lymph nodes in your armpits

Inguinal Nodes - Lymph nodes in your groin

Macrophages - “Big eater” cells in lymph nodes that devour pathogens

Antigen-Presenting Cells - Cells that show invader “ID cards” to T-cells

Reactive Lymph Node - A swollen node responding to infection (usually temporary)

WHAT LYMPH NODES WORK WITH

lymph nodes + OTHER SYSTEMS

  1. Lymphatic Vessels → Carry fluid into and out of the nodes

  2. Lymphatic Fluid → The substance being filtered

  3. White Blood Cells (T-cells, B-cells, Macrophages) → The defenders inside the nodes

  4. Spleen & Thymus → Other immune organs that share defense responsibilities

  5. Circulatory System → Works in balance with lymph flow and immune responses

HealthY LYMPHATIC VESSELS…

  • Quickly catching infections before they spread

  • Removing harmful substances from lymph

  • Training immune cells to recognize invaders

  • Alerting you when your body is fighting something off (swollen/tender nodes)

    They’re your body’s neighborhood watch, always on patrol, always ready to call in reinforcements.