Retroauricular lymph node

Retroauricular Lymph Node

The Retroauricular lymph node, also known as the mastoid lymph node, is a small lymph node located just behind the ear in the human body. It is part of the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in the body's immune system by filtering out disease-causing organisms.

Anatomy

The retroauricular lymph node is situated near the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull, just behind the ear. It is one of several lymph nodes in the head and neck region, which also include the parotid lymph nodes, submandibular lymph nodes, and cervical lymph nodes.

Function

Like other lymph nodes, the retroauricular lymph node acts as a filter for the lymphatic fluid, trapping and destroying harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. It also produces lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response.

Clinical Significance

Enlargement or inflammation of the retroauricular lymph node, known as lymphadenopathy, can be a sign of various medical conditions. These include infections such as otitis media (middle ear infection) and mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone), as well as certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and metastatic cancer.

See Also

• Lymphatic system
• Lymph node
• Immune system
• Lymphadenopathy