What describes the characteristic lesions known as buboes during a bubonic plague infection?

Enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes, referred to as buboes, are a hallmark sign of bubonic plague, a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. These characteristic lesions occur primarily in the groin, armpit, or neck, where the lymphatic system becomes involved as the bacteria multiply and trigger an inflammatory response. This leads to the swelling and tenderness associated with buboes, which can be quite painful.

Understanding the formation of buboes is critical to diagnosing and treating bubonic plague. The lymph nodes act as filters for pathogens, and when bypassed or overwhelmed by infection, they may swell as the body attempts to fight off the disease. The appearance of these lesions, alongside other symptoms like fever and chills, represents a critical phase of the infection that requires medical attention.

The other answer choices do not relate to the specific nature of buboes. For instance, hairline fractures refer to a type of bone injury, while severe emotional distress is related to psychological responses, and accumulated body fluids pertain to a different context, such as complications from infections or conditions unrelated to bubonic plague.