Axillars is a plural form of axillar, which means pertaining to the armpit. The spelling of the word "axillars" is derived from the pronunciation of the letter "i" in the singular form "axillar". In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "axillar" is /ækˈsɪlər/. The "i" in "axillar" is pronounced as /ɪ/. When the plural form of the word is formed, an "s" is added at the end, resulting in "axillars".
Axillars, also known as axillary lymph nodes, refer to a cluster of small, bean-shaped organs located in the armpit region of the body. These lymph nodes play a crucial role in the immune system by filtering and trapping foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells that may enter the body through the arms, chest, or upper back. As part of the lymphatic system, axillars aid in defending the body against infections and diseases.
The axillars are connected to each other and to other lymph nodes throughout the body via a network of vessels that transport lymphatic fluid. Lymphatic fluid contains a variety of immune cells that help fight off harmful pathogens. When the body is exposed to an infection or inflammation in the arm or upper torso, the axillary lymph nodes may become enlarged, tender, or swollen as they work to eliminate the foreign substances.
Additionally, the axillary lymph nodes are an important site for cancer staging. In cases of breast cancer, for example, the presence or absence of cancer cells in the axillars can provide valuable information regarding the spread or containment of the disease. Consequently, medical professionals may perform procedures, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection, to examine and evaluate the axillars as part of cancer diagnosis and management.
The etymology of the word "axillars" is derived from the Latin word "axilla", which means "armpit" or "shoulder joint". In English, "axillars" is the plural form of "axillar", an adjective used to describe something related to the armpit or the axilla region.