Final answer:
Lymph nodes are small, oval structures that act as filters, removing pathogens from the lymph. They also serve as staging areas for immune responses mediated by T cells, B cells, and accessory cells of the adaptive immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lymph nodes are small, oval structures located along the lymph vessels. They act like filters, removing pathogens from the lymph. Any bacteria that infect the interstitial fluid are taken up by the lymphatic capillaries and transported to a regional lymph node, where dendritic cells and macrophages kill the pathogens. Lymph nodes also serve as major staging areas for the development of immune responses mediated by T cells, B cells, and accessory cells of the adaptive immune system.