(n) :
small oval bodies of the
lymphatic system, distributed along the lymphatic vessels, that are clustered in the armpits, groin, neck, chest and abdomen. They act as filters, with an internal honeycomb of
connective tissue filled with
lymphocytes and
macrophages that collect and destroy
bacteria,
viruses and foreign matter from
lymph. When the body is fighting an infection, these lymphocytes multiply rapidly and produce a characteristic swelling of the lymph nodes