Final answer:
When lymph nodes swell, it is often a sign that your body is fighting against germs that it thinks are invaders. The correct answer is option B: "your body is fighting against germs that it thinks are invaders."
Step-by-step explanation:
Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the immune system, serving as filters that trap and destroy harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. When lymph nodes swell, it is an indication that the body is actively responding to an infection. Option B accurately reflects this process.
Firstly, lymph nodes contain white blood cells, including lymphocytes, which are integral to the immune response. When the body detects the presence of foreign invaders, such as germs, lymphocytes initiate a defense mechanism. This immune response leads to an increased production of white blood cells, causing the lymph nodes to swell as they work to eliminate the perceived threat.
Secondly, the swelling of lymph nodes is a sign that the body is actively fighting against the pathogens. The lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, acts as a drainage system that circulates lymph fluid throughout the body. When an infection occurs, the lymph nodes become a battleground where immune cells attack and neutralize the invading germs. The swelling is a visible manifestation of this ongoing battle.
In summary, the swelling of lymph nodes is a direct result of the body's immune response to an infection. Option B accurately captures the essence of this process by highlighting that the body is actively engaged in fighting against germs perceived as invaders.