The lymphatic system (also known as the lymphatic system) protects the body against infections, distributes and balances body fluids. Although the lymphatic system is extremely important for our he alth, unfortunately we have no influence on its functioning. Check how the lymphatic system is built and what diseases threaten it.

The lymphatic system , orthe lymphatic system , is the least understood part of the circulatory system. It works with the circulatory system and participates in the transport of lymph.

Lymph is a watery fluid containing electrolytes, proteins, lymphocytes (white blood cells) which - when they enter the immune system - control attacks against microorganisms that are dangerous to he alth.

Lymph is transported throughout the body due to skeletal muscle contractions. The lymphatic system is made up of lymph vessels and ducts, as well as the lymphoid tissue, which is made up of the lymph nodes, parathyroid glands, lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus and spleen.

When the lymphatic system is working flawlessly, we are not aware of its existence. But when attacked, your well-being worsens. When an infection occurs, the lymph nodes increase in size, signaling the presence of foreign particles. The attackers are bacteria or viruses, less often cancer.

Lymphatic system: structure

  • ALMONDSare a cluster of lymphatic tissues and form the so-called Waldeyer ring. They are located on both sides of the throat, between the back of the tongue and the uvula that grows out of the palate.
  • PARCASCHAL GRANULARSare 4 pieces the size of a peppercorn and are embedded in the tissue surrounding the thyroid gland. They secrete parathyroid hormone responsible for regulating the level of calcium in the blood and in the tissue fluid, increase the level of calcium and reduce the amount of phosphate in the blood.
  • THERMlies in the mediastinum. It consists of 2 lobes made of microscopic lobules. The thymus only functions until puberty. Later it disappears and adipose tissue takes its place. It is she who determines the immunological characteristics of the organism and the production of T lymphocytes.
  • LODGESare scattered throughout the body. Their shape resembles a grain of beanslength from 1 to 25 mm, and each of us has about 600 of them. Nodes cleanse the lymph from dead cells, bacteria and viruses, annihilate any intruder who wants to enter the bloodstream. The lymph node parenchyma distinguishes the cortical part, i.e. the lymph nodes, and the core part, i.e. the medullary strands. Mature lymphocytes are formed in the clumps and stored in strips. The nodes are grouped in specific areas of the body and thus get their name, e.g. axillary and inguinal nodes.
  • Lymph vesselsequipped with special valves transport the lymph to the lymph nodes, from where, after filtering, it goes back to the circulatory system. These vessels are specialized in work - some only supply, while others only drain lymph from the nodes
  • SPREADSis the largest organ of the lymphatic system and is located in the abdominal cavity. In the event of its removal, its functions are taken over by, for example, the liver. But a person who has no spleen has much less immunity, since he is the organ responsible for destroying bacteria. The spleen's task is to produce immunoglobulins and remove unnecessary substances from the body, e.g. used red blood cells.
Important

Lymphatic system: Ultrasound is a simple and reliable test

Ultrasound is a non-invasive examination, but useful in assessing the condition of the lymphatic system. Different parts of the body (e.g. the lymph nodes in the neck) can be ultrasound. Most often they are performed to assess the condition of the abdominal cavity. The doctor then looks for enlarged, affected lymph nodes, altered liver or spleen, which confirms or excludes the diagnosis made on the basis of blood tests and palpation.

Under ultrasound guidance, a lymph node biopsy can also be performed.

Lymphatic system: the most common diseases

  • Tonsillitis

The tonsils are the most frequently attacked part of the lymphatic system. In defending itself against bacteria and viruses, the tonsils enlarge and turn red. Tonsillitis is accompanied by headaches and fever. Chronic inflammation can lead to kidney infections or rheumatic heart disease.
Angina is a specific type of tonsillitis - it is a general toxemia that affects not only the tonsils, but also the whole organism. The infection is spread by airborne droplets. When the disease develops, there is a severe sore throat and a high temperature. The tonsils are very bloodshot, covered with a white coating, the lymph nodes in the neck enlarge and become painful. Untreated angina can seriously damage the heart.

TREATMENT: It involves the administration of an antibiotic.If the infections recur frequently, your doctor may decide to have the tonsils removed. This eliminates the problem of pharyngitis forever, but often a new one appears - laryngitis.

  • Lymphedema

Lymphoedema occurs as a result of blockage of the lymphatic vessels and regular lymph flow. Edema can occur as a result of abnormalities in the structure of the lymphatic vessels themselves, as a result of inflammation, trauma, and even cancer. It also happens when the lymph enters the subcutaneous tissues.

A troublesome symptom of lymphedema is significant swelling of the legs and arms. Sometimes it is so large that the patient cannot move them. The lymphatic vessels impede the free flow of blood, which causes painful muscle cramps.
TREATMENT: It is primarily lymphatic massages that unblock vessels and improve lymph flow. They should be performed systematically and until the pain and swelling are gone.

Bandaging the limbs is also helpful, but not too strong so as not to block their efficiency. Exercise is also very important to restore proper lymph flow. Usually these are exercises to improve the skeletal muscles surrounding all the lymph nodes.

Lymphoedema often occurs in people who have had their lymph nodes removed due to cancer surgery. In this case, however, in addition to systematic lymphatic massage, it is necessary to regularly express the excess lymph with a syringe.

  • Malignant lump

Lymphomas are a group of diseases that attack the lymph nodes. The name applies to both benign and malignant forms of cancer. Every year, benign lymphomas are diagnosed in approx. 6 thousand. people in Poland.

The most dangerous lymphoma is Hodgkin's disease, also known as Hodgkin's disease. It is difficult to detect because it develops without any characteristic or bothersome symptoms. Enlarged lymph nodes, weakness and rapid weight loss are often perceived as symptoms of fatigue, lack of sleep and severe stress.

TREATMENT: If these symptoms persist for many weeks, prompt contact with your doctor and getting a lymph node test is a chance for a full recovery. Malignant discoid, like most cancers, requires treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Often the only salvation for a patient is a bone marrow transplant.

  • Tonsil cancer

It is rare, but very spiteful. It is still unknown why the altered squamous cell carcinoma cells in the firstIn the phase of the disease, they accumulate in the tonsils and, over time, penetrate into other organs of the mouth and throat. An acute symptom, often mistaken for strep throat, is ulceration and significant swelling of the tonsil. There is severe pain when swallowing. Lymph nodes are attacked in the next stages of the disease.

TREATMENT: The most effective method of treatment is to remove the sick tonsil and remove the entire lymphatic system from the neck.

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Immune system