Knowra Lymph node Lymph node A small, bean-shaped immune organ that filters lymph and brings immune cells into contact with foreign substances, enabling coordinated immune responses.
Lymphatic system : A network of vessels, organs, and tissues that returns fluid to the bloodstream and supports immune defense. Its vessels deliver lymph to nodes and carry filtered fluid onward.
Lymph : Fluid carried by lymphatic vessels, formed from tissue fluid and containing immune cells and transported substances. It carries material from tissues into the node for inspection.
Sentinel lymph node : The first lymph node or group of nodes receiving lymphatic drainage from a tumor or other defined site. Its examination can reveal whether cancer has begun spreading through lymphatics.
Spleen : An organ that filters blood, removes aged blood cells, and supports immune responses to blood-borne antigens. Unlike nodes, it monitors blood rather than lymph arriving from tissues.
Lymph node metastasis : The spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to one or more lymph nodes. Tumors can alter nodal immune environments while using lymphatic routes to spread.
Afferent lymphatic vessel : A lymphatic vessel that carries lymph into a lymph node. It brings tissue fluid, antigens, and immune cells into the node.
Lymphocyte : A white blood cell, including B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, involved in adaptive or innate immunity. Lymphocytes are the mobile immune cells that populate and patrol nodes.
Lymph node biopsy : A procedure that removes all or part of a lymph node for diagnostic examination. Tissue sampling can distinguish infection, immune disease, and malignancy.
Thymus : A primary lymphoid organ where immature T cells develop and undergo selection. It matures T cells; lymph nodes mainly organize responses by mature lymphocytes.
Tumor microenvironment : The cancer cells, immune cells, blood vessels, and other components surrounding and interacting with a tumor. Tumor-draining nodes are part of the wider environment shaping antitumor immunity.
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