Thyroid lymph nodes

Thyroid Lymph Nodes

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Diagram showing the thyroid lymph nodes

The Thyroid Lymph Nodes are a group of lymph nodes that drain the thyroid gland. They are part of the body's lymphatic system, which helps to protect the body from infection and disease.

Anatomy

The thyroid lymph nodes are divided into four groups: prelaryngeal, pretracheal, paratracheal, and lateral cervical. The prelaryngeal nodes, also known as Delphian nodes, are located in front of the larynx. The pretracheal nodes are located in front of the trachea, while the paratracheal nodes are located on either side of the trachea. The lateral cervical nodes are located along the side of the neck.

Function

The primary function of the thyroid lymph nodes is to filter lymphatic fluid that drains from the thyroid gland. This fluid contains waste products, bacteria, and other potentially harmful substances. The lymph nodes filter out these substances and produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, to help fight infection and disease.

Clinical Significance

Enlargement of the thyroid lymph nodes, known as lymphadenopathy, can be a sign of thyroid disease or other medical conditions. This can include thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, and Graves' disease. In some cases, biopsy or surgical removal of the lymph nodes may be necessary for diagnosis or treatment.

See Also

• Lymph node
• Thyroid gland
• Thyroid disease