Mandibular lymph node: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

CSV import
 
CSV import
 
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Mandibular Lymph Node'''
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Mandibular lymph node}}


The '''Mandibular Lymph Node''' is a significant part of the [[lymphatic system]], specifically located in the [[head]] and [[neck]] region. It is one of the several [[lymph nodes]] that play a crucial role in the body's immune response.
==Mandibular Lymph Node==
[[File:Illu_lymph_chain01.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram of lymph nodes in the head and neck, including the mandibular lymph nodes.]]
The '''mandibular lymph node''' is a small, oval-shaped structure that is part of the [[lymphatic system]]. It is located near the lower jaw, or [[mandible]], and plays a crucial role in the immune response by filtering lymphatic fluid and trapping pathogens.


==Etymology==
==Anatomy==
The term "Mandibular" is derived from the Latin word "mandibula" which means "jawbone". The term "Lymph Node" comes from the Latin "lympha", meaning water, and the Greek "node", meaning knot.
The mandibular lymph nodes are situated along the lower border of the mandible. They are part of the [[superficial lymph nodes]] of the head and neck. These nodes receive lymph from the [[submental lymph nodes]], [[buccal lymph nodes]], and other surrounding tissues.


==Anatomy==
===Location===
The Mandibular Lymph Node is located near the [[mandible]] or lower jawbone. It is part of the [[lymphatic system]], which is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.
The mandibular lymph nodes are typically found near the anterior border of the [[masseter muscle]], close to the facial artery and vein. They are often palpable in cases of infection or inflammation in the areas they drain.
 
===Structure===
Each lymph node is encapsulated by a fibrous capsule and contains an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The cortex is rich in [[lymphocytes]], which are crucial for the immune response. The medulla contains medullary cords and sinuses that facilitate the flow of lymph.


==Function==
==Function==
The Mandibular Lymph Node, like other lymph nodes, acts as a filter for harmful substances. They contain immune cells that can help fight infection by attacking and destroying germs that are carried in through the lymph fluid.
The primary function of the mandibular lymph nodes is to filter lymphatic fluid from the tissues of the face and neck. They trap bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles, preventing them from entering the bloodstream. The nodes also play a role in the activation of the immune system by presenting antigens to [[T cells]] and [[B cells]].


==Clinical Significance==
==Clinical Significance==
Enlargement or swelling of the Mandibular Lymph Node, known as [[lymphadenopathy]], can be a sign of various diseases and infections, such as [[cancer]], [[bacterial infections]], or [[viral infections]]. It is often examined during a physical examination, especially when a patient presents with symptoms such as a sore throat or mouth sores.
Mandibular lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infections, such as [[tonsillitis]], [[pharyngitis]], or dental abscesses. Enlargement of these nodes is often a sign of localized infection or inflammation. In some cases, they may also be involved in systemic conditions such as [[lymphoma]] or [[metastatic cancer]].
 
==Related Terms==
* [[Lymphatic System]]
* [[Lymph Node]]
* [[Lymphadenopathy]]
* [[Mandible]]
 
==See Also==
* [[Cervical Lymph Nodes]]
* [[Axillary Lymph Nodes]]
* [[Inguinal Lymph Nodes]]


[[Category:Anatomy]]
==Related pages==
[[Category:Lymphatic System]]
* [[Lymphatic system]]
[[Category:Medical Terminology]]
* [[Lymph node]]
* [[Immune system]]
* [[Head and neck anatomy]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Lymphatic system]]
[[Category:Head and neck anatomy]]

Latest revision as of 06:17, 16 February 2025


Mandibular Lymph Node[edit]

Diagram of lymph nodes in the head and neck, including the mandibular lymph nodes.

The mandibular lymph node is a small, oval-shaped structure that is part of the lymphatic system. It is located near the lower jaw, or mandible, and plays a crucial role in the immune response by filtering lymphatic fluid and trapping pathogens.

Anatomy[edit]

The mandibular lymph nodes are situated along the lower border of the mandible. They are part of the superficial lymph nodes of the head and neck. These nodes receive lymph from the submental lymph nodes, buccal lymph nodes, and other surrounding tissues.

Location[edit]

The mandibular lymph nodes are typically found near the anterior border of the masseter muscle, close to the facial artery and vein. They are often palpable in cases of infection or inflammation in the areas they drain.

Structure[edit]

Each lymph node is encapsulated by a fibrous capsule and contains an outer cortex and an inner medulla. The cortex is rich in lymphocytes, which are crucial for the immune response. The medulla contains medullary cords and sinuses that facilitate the flow of lymph.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the mandibular lymph nodes is to filter lymphatic fluid from the tissues of the face and neck. They trap bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles, preventing them from entering the bloodstream. The nodes also play a role in the activation of the immune system by presenting antigens to T cells and B cells.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Mandibular lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infections, such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or dental abscesses. Enlargement of these nodes is often a sign of localized infection or inflammation. In some cases, they may also be involved in systemic conditions such as lymphoma or metastatic cancer.

Related pages[edit]