lümfisõlme

Lümfisõlmed, also known as lymph nodes, are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the lymphatic system. They are found throughout the body, clustered in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Lümfisõlmed play a crucial role in the body's immune defense system.

The primary function of lümfisõlmed is to filter lymph fluid, a clear or yellowish liquid that carries waste products, bacteria, and other foreign substances away from tissues. As lymph fluid passes through the lümfisõlmed, specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes and macrophages engulf and destroy these harmful materials. This filtering process helps to prevent infections from spreading throughout the body.

Lümfisõlmed also produce lymphocytes, which are essential for the immune response. When the body encounters an infection or foreign invader, lümfisõlmed can become enlarged and tender, a condition known as lymphadenopathy. This swelling indicates that the lümfisõlmed are actively working to fight off the infection. While enlarged lümfisõlmed are often a sign of a minor infection, they can sometimes be indicative of more serious conditions, such as cancer, and should be evaluated by a medical professional if they persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms.