Swollen glands

Ganglia are structures throughout the body that are part of the immune system, responsible for producing defenses against infections and diseases. Inside them are important cells called lymphocytes, which act as police against intruders like viruses and bacteria. When intruders enter the body, lymphocytes alert the rest of the immune system to defend against the infection. Normally, we can't see the lymph nodes, but when we are sick, they fill with defenses, swell, and can be felt with our fingers. These swollen nodes are called adenopathies or lymphadenopathies.