Overview
Your immune system's lymphatic system serves a variety of purposes. These include defending your body from pathogens, preserving body fluid balance, absorbing lipids from the digestive tract, and eliminating cellular waste. Obstructions, illnesses, or infections may impact your lymphatic system's functions.
Lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is an intricate system of ducts, nodes, and capillaries that collects and transports extra fluid throughout the body.
The body contains 500 – 600 lymph nodes. These nodes expand in reaction to infection due to an accumulation of lymph fluid, bacteria, other organisms, and immune system cells.
The immune system includes the lymphatic system. Moreover, it helps the body absorb fats and nutrients with high-fat content.
What does the lymphatic system do?
The lymphatic system is a network of organs, tissues, and vessels that combine to move lymph, a colourless, watery fluid, back into your circulatory system (your bloodstream).
Daily, your body's arteries, capillaries, and smaller arteriole blood vessels transport about 20 litres of plasma. Around 17 litres are returned to circulation through veins after nourishing the body's cells and tissues and collecting waste.
The remaining three litres flow into the tissues of your body through the capillaries. The lymphatic system gathers this extra fluid, known as lymph, from your body's tissues and carries it before returning it to your bloodstream.
Function of the lymphatic system
The three essential functions of the lymph system include:
Fluid balance
Excess fluid and proteins from the tissues that can't return through the blood vessels are produced through the lymphatic system. The fluid frequently gathers in interstitial spaces, which are the minuscule spaces around cells. These areas are connected to the lymphatic system via tiny lymph capillaries.
Around 90% of the plasma from arterial blood capillaries that enters tissues is returned through venous blood capillaries and veins. The lymphatic system is used to transport the remaining 10%. Lymphedema, a localised swelling, can be caused by fluid processing problems.
Absorption
The lymphatic system is vital to gut health. It helps move fat, combat infections, and eliminate extra fluid.
Little protrusions that resemble fingers, known as villi, make up a portion of the intestinal membrane in the small intestine. The lacteals, or microscopic lymph capillaries, are found in every villus. They take up fats and fat-soluble vitamins, forming chyle, a milky white fluid.
Both lymph and emulsified fats, or free fatty acids, are present in this fluid. When it enters the venous blood circulation, it indirectly distributes nutrients. The capillaries in the blood directly absorb other nutrients.
The immune system
The body's defence against exposure to potentially dangerous pathogens, such as infections, is the third function of lymph nodes.The first line of defence for the body consists of
- Physical partitions, like the skin
- Toxic barriers, such as the stomach's acidic contents
- The body's "friendly" microorganisms
Nonetheless, despite these barriers, infections frequently infiltrate the host. The lymphatic system, in this instance, permits the immune system to react appropriately.
How does the lymphatic system fight infection?
Lymphocytes, white blood cells, are created by the lymphatic system. T cells and B cells are different subtypes of lymphocytes. Through the lymphatic system, they both move.
They come in contact with viruses, bacteria, and other foreign particles in the lymph fluid as they approach the lymph nodes.
Upon contact, lymphocytes produce antibodies and begin the body's defence mechanism. If they have already come into contact with the specific pathogen in the past, they can also create antibodies from memory.
The body's adaptive immune response includes the lymphatic system and lymphocyte function. These reactions to particular infections are precise.
Anatomy of the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system consists of many parts. They consist of:
Lymph
Lymph, also known as lymphatic fluid, is a mixture of excess fluid that leaks from cells, tissues (but is not reabsorbed into capillaries) and other substances. Proteins, minerals, lipids, nutrients, harmed cells and cancer cells are among the other substances (bacteria, viruses, etc.). White blood cells that combat infections are transported by lymph (lymphocytes).
Lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are bean-shaped glands that watch over and purify the lymph as it filters through them. The nodes filter out the damaged and cancerous cells. Furthermore, lymphocytes and other immune system cells that combat and eliminate germs and other hazardous elements in the fluid are stored in these lymph nodes.
In your body, there are around 600 lymph nodes. Some are isolated nodes, while others are chains of interconnected groupings. Your armpit, groin, and neck are a few of the lymph nodes' familiar places. The lymphatic veins join the lymph nodes together.
Lymphatic vessels
The network of capillaries (micro-vessels) and a sizable network of tubes known as lymphatic vessels are found all over your body. They are responsible for carrying lymph away from tissues.
As lymph moves towards larger vessels known as collecting ducts, lymphatic vessels continue to collect and filter lymph (at the nodes). These tubes function very similarly to your veins. They work at shallow pressure and contain several valves to keep the fluid flowing in one direction.
Other lymphatic tissues
The lymphatic system gathers extra fluid that leaks from cells and tissues all over the body and transfers it to the bloodstream to circulate once again around the body.
Spleen
This biggest lymphatic organ is under your ribs and above your stomach on your left side. The spleen generates white blood cells that combat infection or sickness in addition to filtering and storing blood.
Thymus
This organ can be found in the upper chest, beneath the breastbone. It causes a particular type of white blood cell to mature, which defends against invading pathogens.
Adenoid and tonsils
These lymphoid organs capture pathogens from the food you eat and the air you breathe. They are the first line of defence your body has against outside invaders.
Bone marrow
It is the supple, spongy tissue that lines the interior of several bones, including the hip and breastbones. Bone marrow produces platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells.
Peyer's patches
These tiny clusters of lymphatic tissue are located in the mucous lining of your small intestine. These lymphoid cells monitor and get rid of intestinal microorganisms.
Common problems involving the lymphatic system
There are several common issues with the lymphatic system, including:
- Infection
- Disease
- Injury to the lymph nodes or lymphatic system.
Infection-related ones consist of:
Glandular fever
Glandular fever, often known as infectious mononucleosis, affects many teenagers, young adults, and college students. Fever, a sore throat, exhaustion, and enlarged lymph nodes are a few symptoms.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the two oval-shaped tissue pads that are located in the back of the throat, one on each side. Swollen tonsils, tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck, a sore throat and trouble swallowing are all indicators of tonsillitis.
Crohn's disease
An inflammatory bowel condition called Crohn's disease results in long-term inflammation of the GI tract, which runs from the stomach to the anus. It frequently spreads into the deeper layers of the intestine and can affect various parts of the GI tract, depending on the individual.
Those associated with the disease include:
Hodgkin's disease
One type of lymphoma is Hodgkin's, often known as Hodgkin's disease. A type of blood cancer known as lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system. This system comprises a web of vessels, nodes, and organs across your body.
Diseases that affect the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system's veins, glands, and organs are susceptible to various diseases. Some take place during childhood or before birth during development. Others arise because of illness or harm. Some common lymphatic system diseases and conditions include
Lymphedema
Scar tissue from harmed lymphatic vessels or nodes can produce a blockage in the lymphatic system, leading to lymphedema. Lymphedema is frequently observed when lymph nodes are removed from patients who have undergone radiation or surgery to eliminate cancer.
Your arms and legs are where lymphatic fluid accumulation is most frequently found. Lymphedema can range from very moderate to extremely painful, debilitating, and disfiguring. Deep skin infections can be hazardous and even fatal in lymphedema patients.
Lipedema
Unwanted fat builds up in the lower body due to the disorder known as lipedema. Typically, the buttocks, thighs, and calves are affected by lipedema. Moreover, the upper arms may be impacted. The hands and feet are unaffected by the disease.
How do I keep my lymphatic system healthy?
Maintaining a solid and healthy lymphatic system involves
- Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, such as those in cleaning supplies or pesticides. These substances can accumulate in your body, making it more difficult for your body to filter waste.
- Be hydrated by drinking lots of water to allow lymph to circulate throughout your body freely.
- Keep up a healthy diet and lifestyle that includes regular exercise.
Summary
The lymphatic system removes foreign substances from the excess fluid that collects in body tissue and returns it to the bloodstream. Failures of the lymphatic system can result in life-threatening complications, swelling and venous malfunction. To have a healthy lymphatic system, maintain a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle.
