Capsule of Lymph Node
This picture represents a cross section of a lymph node. The arrow indicates the
capsule of the lymph node. Lymph nodes are organs of the lymphatic system located in several areas throughout the body, providing the major site of immune cells, including B and T cells. The lymph node is surrounded by a
fibrous capsule, which projects internally to form
trabeculae. Lymph nodes consist of an outer
cortex and an inner
medulla. From superficial to deep, the lymph node consist of the following components:
- Capsule
- Subcapsular sinus
- Cortex
- Medulla
The capsule of the lymph node consists of
dense irregular connective tissue, and from this capsule several
trabeculae extend internally. Between the outer cortex and the fibrous capsule is the
subcapsular sinus. Lymph flows through
afferent lymphatic vessels into the
subcapsular sinuses, which then drains into
trabecular sinuses and then the
medullary sinuses.
