lymph node

Pronunciation: limf nōd

Definition: 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.

Synonym(s): nodus lymphoideusTA, lymphonodus, nodus lymphaticus, lymph gland, lymphaden, lymphoglandula

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