Carmen Patricia Parigiani
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Through the lymphatic system we also eliminate emotional pain by performing massages in different areas of the body, so that what is stagnant is mobilized. And we will realize this when we drain the accumulated liquid.
Do you know your drainage system? The lymphatic system.
Do you know the IMPORTANCE of this system?
Let’s talk about LYMPHATIC HEALTH… some FACTS.
1. It is a separate circulatory system that interfaces with blood vessels to transport waste proteins from the extracellular matrix (ECM). What is this ECM? A vast network of proteins and other molecules that surround, support, and give structure to the body’s cells and tissues. The extracellular matrix helps cells attach to and communicate with neighboring cells and plays an important role in cell growth, cell movement, and other cellular functions.
2. Transports lymphocytes, dendritic cells and immunoglobulins to fight pathogens. Hence your immune function.
3. Helps the absorption and transport of fatty acids from the digestive system.
4. It is intimately connected to your extracellular matrix (ECM) making it possible for your nervous system to use it as a command controller.
5. When its flow is impeded, it can develop into edema, which in turn creates a buildup of toxic waste and potentially creates systemic dysregulation.
6. Eliminating excess protein and waste is essential for your health. Otherwise, morbidity and death would not be far away.
7. The nervous system works through your ECM to ensure proper cellular metabolism.
8. AND THE MAIN CONTROL SYSTEM of the entire system is your nervous system.
So it is clear that acting on the lymphatic system is the KEY to health. This system is one of the main components of the immune system and is made up of a network of organs, ducts and lymph nodes. The set of tissues and organs that participate in the immune response is known as the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, ducts, and lymphatic vessels that produce and transport lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. It is a main part of the body’s immune system and is part of the circulatory system
BASIC FUNCTIONS
The set of tissues and organs that participate in the immune response is known as the lymphatic system.
It consists of organs, vessels, nodes and lymphatic tissue.
This system performs three fundamental functions:
— Defense: In the lymph nodes, lymphocytes reproduce to respond to antigens.
— Fat absorption: Most fats are absorbed by the lymphatic system and subsequently transported into the blood.
— Capillary exchange: recovers the substances that the blood flow has lost in capillary exchange.
LYMPHOID ORGANS
Lymphoid organs are divided into two groups:
— Primary or central. The process known as lymphopoiesis occurs, which consists of the maturation of lymphocytes. These get specific receptors for each type of antigen. The organs in this group are the thymus (mature T lymphocytes) and the bone marrow (mature B lymphocytes).
— Secondary or peripheral. They provide the environment for lymphocytes to interact and come into contact with the antigen, eliciting the immune response. The organs that participate in this process are the lymph nodes, lymphatic tissue and the spleen.
OPERATION
The operation of this system is as follows:
The lymph is collected by the lymphatic capillaries and subsequently transported into the lymphatic vessels. There are two large ducts in the body that drain the tissues: the thoracic one and the right lymphatic one.
The first receives lymph from more than half of the body and its path ends in the left subclavian vein; The second, however, facilitates the exit of the lymph from the right side of the body and ends its journey in the right subclavian vein.
LYMPH NODES
Lymph nodes are small, soft, round or bean-shaped structures that usually cannot be easily seen or palpated.
They are found in clusters in various parts of the body such as the neck, armpits, groin and within the center of the chest and abdomen.
Lymph nodes produce immune cells that help the body fight infections, as well as filter lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as bacteria and cancer cells.
When bacteria are recognized in the lymph fluid, the lymph nodes produce more white blood cells to fight the infection, which causes the lymph nodes to swell. Swollen glands are sometimes felt in the neck, under the arms and in the groin.
THE LYMPH
It is a clear to whitish liquid that travels through the lymphatic vessels due to contractions of muscles and arteries and movement of the body’s extremities.
It is made up of white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, which are the cells that attack bacteria in the blood, and an intestinal fluid, called chyle, which contains proteins and fats.
It is poor in proteins, but rich in lipids and contains white blood cells and some microorganisms that are eliminated by passing through the lymph node filter.
The three functions it performs are to collect and return interstitial fluid to the blood; they protect the body from antigens and absorb nutrients from the digestive system, transporting them, together with oxygen, to the blood circulation.
DISEASES OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The most common manifestations of diseases of the lymphatic system are:
– Presence of lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes).
– Appearance of a form of edema known as lymphoedema.
– Lymphodynamic edema: Increased lymphatic load due to circulatory disorders (cardiac, renal, premenstrual, trauma, burns).
– Lymphostatic edema or lymphedema: is the increase in proteins and interstitial fluid. -Lymphatic insufficiency.
–Lipidema: fatty legs syndrome (ankle, legs and hip).
– Myxedema: accumulation of mucopolysaccharides and proteins of the interstitial space, alterations of the thyroid gland (face, neck, back of the hands and feet).
– Lymphangitis due to puncture wound in the lymphatic system.
-Cancer: that of the lymphatic system is called lymphoma.
DIRECTION OF LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Some OBSERVATIONS to take into consideration.
— The lymph coming down from the head does not go to the armpit groups. They remain in the confluent jugulo-subclavian (terminal) and there the lymph is poured into the bloodstream. If we observe the thorax carefully and divide it into the 4 quadrants, the two external ones and the lower internal one go to the axilla and not to the sternum, and the supero-medial quadrant also goes to the terminal.
— The lymph that goes to the sternum is deep lymph, coming mainly from the intercostal trunks.
— Finally, the leg lymph is directed diagonally upward to the inner surface of the leg where it joins the main lymphatic pathway.
SOURCE:
Carmen Patricia Parigiani
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