How to Find Major Lymph Nodes
The human body contains between 500 and 600 lymph nodes. The lymph nodes help the body fight off illnesses and can swell when a person has an infection. The major lymph nodes are located near the neck, the armpits and in the inner thighs. Follow these steps to find the major lymph nodes in the human body.
Instructions
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Know what normal lymph nodes feel like. Typically, normal lymph nodes are about 1 cm in width. They should not feel tender or hard to the touch, and they should not feel attached to the skin. Normal lymph nodes should be soft to the touch and feel as if they can move around underneath the skin.
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Locate the lymph nodes near the neck and collarbone. Cervical lymph nodes are located on both sides of the neck. Find the specific location of the cervical lymph nodes by palpating the sides of the neck with flat hands. Supraclavicular lymph nodes are located near the collarbone on both sides of the body. You can find these lymph nodes by feeling the open spaces near the collarbone with your hands.
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Find the axillary lymph nodes located below the armpits. These lymph nodes reside on both sides of the body directly below and within the armpits. Feel for the axillary lymph nodes by pressing these areas with your hands and fingers.
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Look for the major lymph nodes on the inner thighs. You can find lymph nodes on the upper part of the inner thighs (femoral lymph nodes) and on the middle part of the inner thighs (inguinal lymph nodes). You can find these lymph nodes by pressing your flat hands on the inner thighs of both legs.
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Tips & Warnings
The information in this article is not meant to serve as a substitute for regular medical advice. If you have any concerns about your lymph nodes, contact your own doctor.
