Lymph Nodes: Where They Are Located on the Body and Legs

You have felt a lump under your jaw or in your groin and are looking for a lymph node diagram. Let's figure out where they are located and why they are needed. This way you will understand what counts as normal and what is a reason to see a doctor.

What lymph nodes are and what they are for

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs. It includes lymph, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes. Lymph is a fluid with white blood cells that protect against microbes.

Lymph nodes work as a biological filter. Lymph from organs and body parts flows through them. Inside the node, white blood cells fight infection. The node is surrounded by a connective tissue capsule; lymph flows into it through afferent vessels and out through an efferent vessel.

Nodes range in size from 0.5 to 50 mm and larger. They are pinkish-gray, round or bean-shaped. They are arranged in groups of up to ten along the course of vessels, more often near large veins.

Where lymph nodes are located on the human body

Groups of nodes are scattered throughout the body. They stand in the path of infection and cancer cells. Some lie close to the skin, others deep in cavities. Lymph nodes in the cubital fossa, axilla, popliteal fossa, and inguinal region serve as a barrier to infection and cancer. Neck lymph nodes protect against infections and tumors of the head and neck organs.

There are many nodes in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. There are intrathoracic and bronchopulmonary, para-aortic and mesenteric nodes. There are iliac, splenic, and cubital nodes.

Lymph nodes on the legs: inguinal, popliteal, and other groups

On the legs, look for nodes in two main areas. Inguinal nodes can be deep and superficial, with femoral nodes lying nearby. Below the knee are the popliteal lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes in the inguinal region and popliteal fossa stand in the path of infection and cancer cells; enlargement of a node indicates a problem in the area it serves.

Lymph nodes in body cavities

A large number of nodes are located in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They run along the course of blood vessels and perform the same functions.

Which lymph nodes can be felt

Some nodes are accessible to palpation. These are the nodes on both sides of the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, and in the groin. With infection, they become painful.

Sometimes a node enlarges on only one side. There may also be other symptoms: sore throat, cough, high fever.

• on both sides of the neck
• under the chin
• in the axillae
• in the inguinal region

When lymph nodes should be shown to a doctor

Enlargement due to infection usually resolves on its own within 1–2 weeks. The doctor assesses whether the node is growing, how hard it is, and whether it moves when pressed. If necessary, they prescribe examinations.

Consult a doctor if the nodes are growing or do not subside for more than a week. Also if they are hard and do not move when pressed. And if there is night sweating or a very high fever.

A reason for a visit is nodes above or below the collarbone. And the situation when there are no other signs of illness. Most often, lymph node enlargement is associated with infection — a cold, tonsillitis, ear and throat infections — less often it is a consequence of a tumor lesion.

Enlarged nodes on their own are not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 if it is difficult to swallow or difficult to breathe.

This material is for reference: it does not replace a doctor's consultation, so if in doubt, see a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer