Lymph Node (Gland) – Section

**Lymph nodes** are specialized organs that filter lymph as it passes through a network of connective tissue filled with white blood cells. These white blood cells remove infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses, effectively "cleaning" the lymph before it re-enters the bloodstream. Once cleaned, the lymph is returned to the heart through the combined action of smooth muscle pumping, skeletal muscle movement, and one-way valves. The lymph then joins the bloodstream near the junction of the venae cavae as they enter the right atrium of the heart. *LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS CC licensed content, Shared previously, 28.4 Blood Flow and Blood Pressure Regulation, Authored by: OpenStax College. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at:http://cnx.org/contents/8uNeSOAk@1.38:YHr_K7OM@5/Blood-Flow-and-Blood-Pressure-* ## Keywords section of lymph nodes drain cleaned sap vein arterioles fibrous sheath white corpuscle supply