Hilar lymph nodes

Nodi lymphoidei bronchopulmonales

Lymphatic & immuneLymphaticsThoraxLeft and right

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What it is

Bronchopulmonary nodes packed around the main bronchus and pulmonary vessels at the root (hilum) of each lung, where the airway enters it. Each node is a bean-shaped filter 5-15 mm long with a fibrous capsule, an outer cortex of B-cell follicles, a T-cell paracortex and an inner medulla. Several afferent lymphatics enter its convex surface; one or two efferents leave at the hilum.

Function

First filter for lymph draining from the lung tissue and airways, before it passes to the tracheobronchial and mediastinal nodes.

Size

5-10 nodes of 5-15 mm per side

Clinical note

In adult city-dwellers and smokers these nodes are black with inhaled carbon (anthracosis). Enlargement is seen in tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and lung cancer.