Lymph Node –  Acrylic on Illustration Board

A cross section of a lymph node is on display emphasizing the anatomy of the gland itself, without respect to vasculature. Afferent lymph vessels are indicated entering the node, while a single efferent vessel is leaving from the indentation, or hilum, on the opposite side. The capsule is the fibrous outer structure of the node with extensions (trabeculae) reaching into the node and providing support to the interior. Small outlined rectangles correspond to the two magnified views of the inner histology, including lymphocytes, reticular cells, and endothelial cells. The less densely packed passageways (or sinuses) surrounding the clusters of lymphocytes allow lymph to readily pass through the node, while valves in the lymph vessels keep the lymph flowing in the proper direction.