Lymph nodes are bean-shaped, small glands that are spread throughout the body. They form part of your lymphatic draining system. This system carries a fluid known as lymph fluid, waste materials, antibodies and white blood cells. It transports these things between the body tissues and the bloodstream.
The lymphatic system is a very important part of your immune system (your body’s disease defence system). Lymph nodes form a major component in this system and are sometimes referred to as lymph glands too. You need to understand that these are not the glands that secrete substances. They can be as tiny as pins or as big as olives. Clusters of these nodes are found inside the head, groin, underarms and neck. They make up the 500-600 lymph nodes spread throughout the human body. Those in your neck are particularly important for your body’s function. Generally, lymph nodes are neither tender nor painful. Most of them cannot even be felt by direct touch.
Function of the Lymph Nodes
The main function or job of your lymph nodes is acting like a kind of sieve or filter system in various parts of your body where they are based. Therefore, they form somewhat of a ‘honeycomb’ structure that consists of reticular connective tissues filled up with lymphocytes. These are really what trap, collect, and destroy viruses, bacteria and other harmful pathogens that enter your body.
There are many different kinds of lymphocytes. Some will secrete “fighting chemicals” outside of their cells. Others will completely engulf the bacteria and digest them. Therefore, whenever the body is trying to fight off an infection, the lymphocytes multiply rapidly. That’s why doctors occasionally check for swollen lymph nodes when you go in for a sick visit.
Two of the Most Important Neck Lymph Nodes
The human neck contains cervical lymph nodes. These nodes are categorized into 2 groups, as follows.
- Anterior Cervical Lymph Nodes: located inside the depths of the exterior portion of your neck. That’s the part you use for flexing and bending your head. They drain the throat’s internal structures. Thyroid glands and tonsils are also drained by them.
- Posterior Cervical Lymph Nodes: extend in straight lines right to back of your neck. However, they are before the largest muscles found in that area. These nodes extend from middle part of head to shoulder bone. The doctor will typically check glands here when you get a sinus infection since these will commonly get enlarged whenever an upper respiratory infection occurs.
Just under the strongest and largest bone on your face that helps to make the lower jaw and also hold the teeth in their place are the tonsillar lymph nodes. These drain out your tonsils and exterior portion of pharynx.
Under both jaw sides, you will find sub-mandibular nodes. Their main function is draining out of those floor mouth parts that can become infected. Directly under the chin are the submental lymph nodes, which drain the teeth and other mouth parts. They are inside your oral cavity.
Supraclavicular lymph nodes can be found in hollow space directly above collar bone. These lymph nodes drain the stomach and chest out when bacteria infect them. Understanding and knowing where the glands are located and exactly what they do in your body will help you understand the basis of conditions like swollen lymph nodes and also help you realize the truly amazing way in which the body and lymph nodes in neck are able to fight so many various bacterial forms off.
Whenever you face signs and symptoms of problems in your lymph nodes in the neck, it is a reason of prime concern. Seek medical help immediately.