Lymphatic system (LS) is a set of thin lymphatic vessels passing through the entire body.

The LS is similar to the circulatory system - there are blood vessels in all parts of the body, as well as blood-carrying veins and arteries. However, the vessels of the LS are much thinner and a colorless liquid, the lymph, is transmitted through them.

Lymph It is a clear liquid containing a large number of lymphocytes (white blood cells). Plasma seeps out of the capillaries, surrounds and washes the tissues of the body, and then flows into the lymphatic vessels.

After that, the fluid, which by that time becomes lymph, passes through the lymphatic system into the largest lymphatic vessel - the thoracic duct, after which it returns back to the circulatory system.

The lymph nodes

Along the lymph vessels are small bean-shaped lymph glands, also called lymph nodes. Some of them are easy to determine by palpation.

Lymph nodes of this kind are present in many parts of your body, including:

• In the armpit;
• In the groin;
• In the neck.

There are also lymph nodes that cannot be determined by palpation. They are located:

• In the abdominal cavity;
• In the pelvic area;
• In the chest.

Other organs of drugs

In addition to the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, the LS includes the following organs:

• the spleen;
• thymus gland;
• tonsils;
• Adenoids.

The spleen is located in the left hypochondrium. It consists of two different types of tissue: red pulp and white pulp. The red pulp filters worn out and damaged red blood cells and then recycles them. The white pulp contains a large amount lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. These are white blood cells that play an important role in fighting various infections. When blood passes through the spleen, lymphocytes react to any sign of infectious diseases, starting to actively resist them.

(or thymus) is a small gland located under the sternum. It is involved in the reproduction of white blood cells. As a rule, the thymus is most active during adolescence, in the process of growing up, activity decreases.

tonsils are two glands located at the back of the larynx. tonsils and adenoids(the so-called “nasopharynxes” of the tonsils) help protect the entrance to the digestive system and lungs from viruses and bacteria.

Adenoids are located on the vault of the nasopharynx, somewhat closer, most often, to its back wall.

LAN functions

The human lymphatic system performs several functions.:

• Ensuring the flow of fluid from the tissues back into the blood;
• Lymph filtration;
• Blood filtration;
• Fight against infectious diseases.

Drainage of fluid into the blood

In the process of blood circulation, plasma leaks from the blood vessels into the tissues of the body. This fluid is very important, it has a dual function: it provides food for the cells and removes waste back into the bloodstream. The spent plasma drains into the lymph vessels and passes through them to the base of the neck, where it is cleaned and returned to the bloodstream. This circulation of fluid through the body occurs continuously.

Lymph filtration

As fluid passes through the lymph nodes, it is cleared. White blood cells attack any viruses or bacteria they find. If the patient is susceptible to oncological diseases and the tumor begins to metastasize, the separated cancer cells are often filtered out by the nearest lymph nodes. That is why doctors first check the lymph nodes for the presence of metastases in them, this allows you to determine how far the cancer has spread.

Blood filtration

This function is performed by the spleen. As the blood passes through this organ, any worn out or damaged red blood cells are removed from the blood, which are subsequently destroyed by the spleen. They are replaced by new red blood cells produced by the bone marrow. In addition, the spleen filters out bacteria, viruses and other foreign particles contained in the blood - the white pulp containing white blood cells is responsible for this.

Fight against infectious diseases

This function of the drug is, in fact, an important part of the immune response. One of the primary signs of an infectious disease is enlarged lymph nodes. Drugs fight infection in the following ways:

• Participates in the creation of white blood cells (lymphocytes) that produce antibodies;
• The lymph nodes contain special blood cells - macrophages. They absorb and destroy any foreign particles, such as bacteria.

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The lymphatic system (systema lymphaticum) of humans and animals has some common structural and developmental features with the circulatory system, but differs significantly in its functions. These functional features of the circulatory and lymphatic systems arise due to their peculiar structure. Intertissue gaps and spaces in tissues not lined with endothelium were not found, just as free water does not exist. This is due to the fact that water is in the tissues in combination with proteins, forming colloidal solutions. They include glycolipids, mucopolysaccharides, hormones and crystalloids. Large molecular colloidal solutions are predominantly resorbed by the endothelium of the lymphatic capillaries. Fluid in the form of lymph is found only in the lymphatic system. In addition, lymphatic capillaries easily absorb bacteria, organic and inorganic particles that penetrate the tissues through the skin and mucous membranes, as well as malignant tumor cells. Lymphocytes and antibodies from the lymph nodes mainly enter the lymph.

The lymphatic system includes: 1) lymphatic capillaries; 2) intraorganic and extraorganic lymphatic vessels; 3) lymphatic trunks; 4) lymph nodes; 5) main lymphatic ducts; 6) lymphoepithelial organs.

All parts of the lymphatic system are sequentially connected with each other and serve to form and move lymph from the lymphatic capillaries to the main lymphatic ducts, through which it flows into the blood of the superior vena cava system (Fig. 431). Therefore, in the lymphatic system, the process of lymph formation and subsequent lymph outflow, and not lymph circulation, takes place, since lymph is formed by the endothelium and interendothelial layers of the walls of the lymphatic capillaries and each time it represents a qualitatively new formation, depending on the speed of blood flow, the degree of permeability of blood vessels and connective tissue, and the immunological restructuring of the body and other factors. Significantly increase lymph formation and permeability of the endothelium of the lymphatic capillaries and interendothelial substance in inflammatory processes, impaired blood supply to the organ.

Each link of the lymphatic system has specific functional and anatomical differences, depending on the age and individual characteristics of the organism. Nevertheless, in general, the lymphatic system has common functional tasks and structural principles.

451. Scheme of the lymphatic system.
1 - jugular lymphatic trunks; 2 - the mouth of the thoracic duct; 3 - subclavian lymphatic trunk; 4 - venous angle; formed by the subclavian and internal jugular veins; 5 - thoracic duct; 6 - the beginning of the thoracic duct; 7 - lumbar lymphatic trunks; 8 - iliac lymphatic vessels; 9 - right lymphatic duct.

The structure of the links of the lymphatic system

lymphatic ducts

The lymphatic ducts include the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct (see).

lymphatic tissue

Lymphatic tissue includes lymph nodes, thymus, hemolymph nodes, spleen, lymphatic follicles of the intestinal mucosa, and tonsils.

Lymphatic system of the body and internal organs



Lymphatic vessels and nodes of the abdominal organs

If we talk about the work of the body and in particular about the fluids that flow in the body, then not many people immediately call lymph.

However, lymph has great importance for the body and has very significant functions that allow the body to function normally.

What is the lymphatic system?

Many people know about the body's need for blood circulation and the work of other systems, but not many people know about the high importance of the lymphatic system. If the lymph does not circulate through the body for only a couple of hours, then such an organism can no longer function.

Thus, every human body experiences continuous need in the functioning of the lymphatic system.

It is easiest to compare the lymphatic system with the circulatory system and isolate the following differences:

1. openness, unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system is open, that is, there is no circulation as such.
2. Unidirectional If the circulatory system provides movement in two directions, then the lymph moves in the direction only from the peripheral to the central parts of the system, that is, the liquid first collects in the smallest capillaries and then moves into larger vessels, and the movement goes only in this direction.
3. There is no central pump. In order to ensure the movement of fluid in the right direction, only a system of valves is used.
4. More slow motion fluid compared to the circulatory system.
5. The presence of special anatomical elements- lymph nodes that perform a significant function and are a kind of warehouse for lymphocytes.

The lymphatic system is of the greatest importance for metabolism and for provide immunity. It is in the lymph nodes that the bulk of the foreign elements that enter the body are processed.

If any virus appears in the body, then it is in the lymph nodes that work begins to study and expel this virus from the body.

You yourself can notice this activity when you have, which indicate the body's fight against the virus. In addition, lymph regularly cleanses the body and removes unnecessary elements from the body.

Learn more about the lymphatic system from the video:

Functions

If we talk in more detail about the functions, then it should be noted the connection of the lymphatic system with the cardiovascular system. It is thanks to the lymph that delivery of various items, which cannot be immediately in the cardiovascular system:

• proteins;
• fluid from the tissue and interstitial space;
• fats, which come primarily from the small intestine.

These elements are transported to the venous bed and thus end up in the circulatory system. Further, these components can be removed from the body.

At the same time, many inclusions that are unnecessary for the body are processed at the stage of lymph, in particular, we are talking about viruses and infections that neutralized by lymphocytes and destroyed in the lymph nodes.

It should be noted the special function of the lymphatic capillaries, which are larger in comparison with the capillaries of the circulatory system and have thinner walls. Due to this, from the interstitial space to the lymph proteins and other components can be supplied.

Additionally, the lymphatic system can be used to cleanse the body, since the intensity of the flow of lymph largely depends on the compression of blood vessels and muscle tension.

Thus, massage and physical activity can make the movement of lymph more efficient. Thanks to this, additional cleansing and healing of the body becomes possible.

Peculiarities

Actually the word "lymph" comes from the Latin "lympha", which translates as moisture or clean water. Only from this name it is possible to understand a lot about the structure of the lymph, which washes and cleanses the entire body.

Many could observe lymph, since this liquid exudes on the surface of wounds on the skin. Unlike blood, the liquid is almost completely transparent.

According to the anatomical structure, lymph belongs to connective tissue and contains a large number of lymphocytes in the complete absence of erythrocytes and platelets.

In addition, lymph, as a rule, contains various waste products of the body. In particular, the previously noted large protein molecules that cannot be absorbed into the venous vessels.

Such molecules are often may be viruses therefore, the lymphatic system is used to absorb such proteins.

The lymph may contain various hormones that are produced by the endocrine glands. From the intestines, fats and some other nutrients come here, from the liver - protein.

Direction of lymph flow

The figure below shows a diagram of the movement of lymph in the human lymphatic system. It does not display every lymph vessel and all of the lymph nodes that about five hundred in the human body.

Pay attention to the direction of travel. Lymph moves from the periphery to the center and from the bottom up. Fluid flows from small capillaries, which then join into larger vessels.

The movement goes through the lymph nodes, which contain a huge number of lymphocytes and purify the lymph.

Usually to the lymph nodes more vessels come in than leave, that is, lymph enters through many channels, and leaves one or two. Thus, the movement continues to the so-called lymphatic trunks, which are the largest lymphatic vessels.

The largest is the thoracic duct., which is located near the aorta and passes lymph through itself from:

• all organs that are located below the ribs;
• left side of chest and left side of head;
• left hand.

This duct connects with left subclavian vein, which you can see marked in blue in the picture on the left side. This is where the lymph from the thoracic duct enters.

It should also be noted right duct, which collects fluid from the right upper side of the body, in particular from the chest and head, arms.

From here, lymph enters right subclavian vein, which is located in the figure symmetrically to the left. Additionally, it should be noted such large vessels that belong to the lymphatic system as:

1. right and left jugular trunks;
2. left and right subclavian trunks.

It should be said about the frequent location of the lymphatic vessels along the blood, in particular venous vessels. If you look at the picture, you will see some the similarity of the arrangement of the vessels of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

The lymphatic system has great importance for the human body.

Many doctors consider lymph analysis to be no less relevant than a blood test, since it is lymph that can indicate some factors that are not found in other tests.

In general, lymph, in combination with blood and intercellular fluid, constitutes the internal liquid medium in the human body.

In the human body, along with the cardiovascular system, there is also a complementary lymphatic system. This structure permeates all tissues and organs with capillaries, ensuring the movement of the biological fluid - lymph and helping to strengthen the body's immune defenses.

The lymphatic system helps the body cleanse itself of toxins, toxins, microbes and infections, and also removes excess fluid from the intercellular space, pumping it into the vascular bed.

Lymphatic fluid is considered one of the types of connective tissue and includes lymphocytes - cells of the immune system. They perform vital functions, as they are able to distinguish “own” components from “foreign” components inside the body - red blood cells and white blood cells from infections and microbes, and then break down harmful particles with the help of T-lymphocytes.

Lymph also contains:

• water;
• salt;
• minerals;
• colloidal solutions of proteins;
• fats.

This viscous liquid resembles blood plasma in its properties. In the body of an adult, it contains about one and a half to two liters. Circulation is provided by contractions of muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels, as well as the movement of other muscles, the general position of the body and the phases of respiration.

Functions of lymph in the body

Lymph circulation performs several functions at once:

Structure diagram

The anatomical structure of the lymphatic system can be depicted schematically:

The main components of its structure:

• capillaries and vessels;
• nodes;
• ducts;
• organs.

Lymphatic capillaries and vessels permeate almost all organs and tissues of the body. They are absent only in the spinal cord and brain, the internal tissue of the spleen, the lens of the eye, the middle ear and the placenta. The capillaries of the lymphatic system are thicker than those of the circulatory system and have permeable walls that are physiologically more adapted to the absorption of substances. They merge into large ducts - vessels that also have thin walls, but are equipped with valves that prevent reverse or retrograde lymph flow.

Vessels slowly deliver fluid to groups of lymph nodes, consisting of lymphoid tissue, which contains:

• lymphocytes;
• plasma cells;
• reticulocytes are young red blood cells.

In the nodes of the lymphatic system, immune cells “ripen”:

• B-lymphocytes - produce antibodies and mobilize the immune system in case of a threat;
• T-lymphocytes - contribute to the breakdown of cells damaged by viruses.

The fluid released from the lymph nodes through large ducts enters the circulatory system. As can be seen in the diagram, there are only two lymphatic ducts in the body - the right and left, which flow into the corresponding subclavian veins.

The organs of the lymphatic system are:

• spleen;
• thymus or thymus;
• tonsils.

The movement of lymph occurs from the bottom up due to the fact that the valves of this system allow fluid to pass in only one direction. Therefore, it is important to massage in the direction of its circulation: from the fingers to the thoracic lymphatic duct, from the toes to the inguinal lymph nodes.

Causes of enlarged lymph nodes

Since the lymphatic system is aimed at cleansing the body and getting rid of harmful trace elements, an increase in lymph nodes always indicates the presence of pathology.

The following photo is an example of what an inflamed lymph node looks like. In this case, the neck is affected.

The causes of inflammatory processes can be:

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection. They can be both local and generalized, when the inflammatory process first occurs in one lymph node, and then spreads to others.

Autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation in the nodes are arthritis and lupus erythematosus.

Oncological diseases of the lymphatic system: Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Inflammation can also be caused by other types of cancer, the metastases of which spread to the lymph nodes.

Cleansing the lymphatic system

Since the lymphatic system performs a number of vital functions, removing bacteria that pollute it, infections and cell decay products from the body, it also needs to be cleansed.

A sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition, technogenic influence - all this disrupts its work and leads to stagnation of lymph in the body. As a result, disease-causing substances are not removed from the body, but remain in it, which reduces the overall level of immunity and increases the risk of autoimmune diseases.

A healthy diet and a special massage will help cleanse the lymphatic system.

The diet should include the following products:

• fresh greens;
• seaweed;
• linseed oil;
• herbal teas.

To improve the outflow of fluid, you need to drink at least 7-8 glasses of clean water daily.

It will help to "revive" the processes of outflow and lymphatic drainage. However, only a massage therapist trained in a special technique should do it: the lymphatic system is very fragile, incorrect actions can damage the valves and cause fluid to flow back. All movements should be made in the direction of the lymph - from the bottom up.

Lymphatic drainage:

• promotes the penetration of fluid from the tissues into the capillaries and vessels of the system;
• accelerates lymph circulation;
• activates the process of cleansing blood vessels from the products of cell decay.

The human lymphatic system (HLS) is a component of the vascular system, which is important in cleansing the tissues and cells of the body. Lymph nodes are links in the LChS, each of which is responsible for filtering a clear liquid (lymph) from harmful substances.

It is impossible to say unequivocally why the lymphatic system is needed, since it has numerous functions, which will be discussed below.

The structure of the LSC includes:

• lymph;
• lymphatic vessels and capillaries;
• lymph nodes (immune links, formations).

The circulatory and lymphatic systems differ significantly from each other. There are no erythrocytes in a clear liquid, and there are much fewer protein molecules than in blood. LSP is not closed. It lacks the main pump, i.e. the heart. Lymph moves into the LSP smoothly and under minimal pressure.

The structure of the human lymphatic system will tell the scheme. It will also indicate the features of the movement of the lymph. The components of the most important part of the body are described in detail below.

Lymph

The word "lymph" in Latin means "clear water". This is not surprising, because this liquid cleanses the body of harmful substances. In its structure, lymph is a connective tissue and has many lymphocytes, practically does not contain platelets and erythrocytes.

The composition of "pure water" includes the products of the vital activity of the body, including large molecules of proteins. Most often they are viruses that are filtered by the lymphatic system. The clear fluid contains various hormones produced by the endocrine glands.

Lymph moves from the periphery to the center, moving from bottom to top. It passes from small capillaries, which gradually flow into large vessels. The movement goes through formations - lymph nodes that perform the function of filtering. In total, the lymphatic system contains about 500 such anatomical structures.

Lymphatic vessels and capillaries

Click to enlarge

LSP outwardly resembles the roots of a tree. This brings it closer to the nervous and circulatory systems. Lymphatic vessels permeate almost the entire human body, excluding the sclera, the inner part of the ear, and some other segments.

From the tissues, lymph enters the capillaries, which are connected to the lymphatic vessels. The latter surround all organs and often lie in several layers.

Through the vessels, the lymph passes into the regional links of immunity, localized in the inguinal and elbow areas, armpits, chest, etc. Large trunks emerge from the nodes, which flow into the ducts, opening the way to the circulatory system for “clean water”.

Lymph nodes (immune links)

A lymph node (LN) is often a rounded formation that has a gray-pink color and sizes from 0.5 to 50 mm or more. Immune links are localized along the lymphatic and near the blood vessels. Each of the formations serves as a kind of filter. They are responsible for cleansing the body not only from microbes, but also from cancer cells. Thus, it is an essential part of human health.

The node structure includes:

• connective tissue capsule;
• stroma (structural basis) in which macrophages are located;
• cortical substance, consisting of a superficial part and a deep cortex.

The immune links are based on lymphoid tissue, in which there are lymphocytes, reticulocytes and plasma cells. In the formations, the most important components of immunity develop - B-lymphocytes, which participate in its formation.

Functions of the lymphatic system

Lymphocytes actively fight bacteria and viruses that enter the body from outside. This ensures the normal functioning of the body's defenses. Immune links increase if the number of microbes is too large and they can not cope with them. In this case, the help of a specialist is required.

The lymphatic system performs the function of cleansing from microbes and is responsible for the delivery of the most important elements to the venous bed. Later, these components through the blood circulation enter the cardiovascular system and leave the human body.

Most harmful substances are eliminated at the stage of filtration with a clear liquid, i.e., they are destroyed in the links of immunity. The body normally “works” thanks to the lymphatic capillaries, through which proteins and other compounds come from the interstitial space into the clear liquid.

The way "clear water" flows is determined by the degree of muscle tension. Physical activity has a beneficial effect on the movement of lymph, promotes high-quality cleansing of the body and normalization of human health.

Major diseases

The most common problems with the lymphatic system are:

1. Lymphoma:

• Hodgkin - LSP cancer with a high degree of malignancy;
• non-Hodgkin's (B-cell or T-cell).

1. Lymphadenitis - inflammation of the immune links:

• acute, provoked by viruses or bacteria;
• chronic, caused by syphilis, immunodeficiency or tuberculosis, less often - influenza;
• purulent (occurs in advanced cases, characterized by the formation of exudate in the node).

1. Lymphedema (including elephantiasis) is a persistent swelling of an extremity that develops as a result of damage to the LSP, which contributes to impaired lymph circulation or the formation of lymphostasis.

Signs of malfunction of the lymphatic system are:

• swelling of the fingers;
• pain in the chest;
• cold extremities;
• cellulite;
• dry skin.

The lymphatic system and lymph are the most important components of the body, for the normal functioning of which are useful:

• physical activity;
• trampolining;
• yoga classes;
• proper diet;
• breathing exercises;
• rejection of bad habits;
• food according to Ayurveda.

If the cleansing function is violated, health problems arise. A person needs continuous work of LSP. How the structures cope with their task depends on his well-being. To maintain health, lymph is needed periodically.

Which doctor should I contact?

Treatment of LSP pathologies is reduced to the use of drugs or surgery. Having found deviations from the norm, you need to consult with a pediatrician / therapist who will refer you to a specialist.

Below is a table explaining which doctors deal with LSD diseases.

leading symptom	Narrow specialist
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck	Otorhinolaryngologist
Soreness and proliferation of lymphoid tissue under the jaw	Dentist
Increase in immune links in the groin area	Gynecologist or urologist
Change in the size of formations, accompanied by hemoptysis, a sharp decrease in weight, increased sweating, fever