The lymphatic system is a complex set of organs, tissues, vessels and ducant lymphoids, distributed throughout the body, whose main functions are to produce and mature the body’s defense cells, in addition to draining and filtering excess body fluid. , Leader in the blood.
This absorption of fluid, called lymph, occurs through the capillaries, which are thin vessels that communicate with cells, and when they reach deeper levels of the body, the capillaries become larger lymph vessels. During circulation in the lymph vessels, the lymph passes through the organs. , such as lymph nodes, adenoid vegetation and spleen, responsible for the production, storage and maturation of immune system cells, such as lymphocytes, responsible for the defense and combat of foreign microorganisms.
Some situations can lead to changes in the functioning of the system, leading to diseases, such as:
Filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is one of the main diseases of the lymphatic system and is caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted to humans by the mosquito bite of the genus Culex sp. . In this disease, the parasite reaches the lymph vessels and causes a blockage of lymphatic flow that causes inflammation of the organ whose circulation is blocked. Learn more about the symptoms of filariasis.
Certain cancers can cause an alteration of lymphatic circulation when it reaches your vessels and organs, such as lymphoma, where there is a deregulation of lymphocyte proliferation, which are cells responsible for the body’s defenses and are part of the lymphatic system. rapid proliferation of lymphocytes, these accumulate and cause tumor formation, as well as compromise lymphatic circulation.
In addition, the lymphatic system may be altered due to metastasis or tumor growth, such as the breast, abdomen, or head and neck, resulting in changes in lymphatic system functioning.
See what can cause lymphatic cancer
Damage to the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, or spleen, which are organs that make up the lymphatic system, due to stroke or as a result of treatments, can also affect lymphatic circulation, which is more likely to occur in women who have undergone x-ray treatment. for breast cancer, resulting in changes in lymphatic drainage capacity, and lymph nodes have also been removed from the lymph nodes in the armpit region.
Lymphatic system malformations also cause changes in lymphatic circulation and are more common due to changes in the vessels or lymph nodes.
By altering the correct circulation of lymph in the bloodstream, these situations result in lymphedema, which is the swelling of the body caused by the accumulation of lymph and fluid in body tissues.
This important system consists of a complex network of cells, vessels, tissues and organs, which perform various functions. The main components include:
It is the fluid that circulates in the lymphatic circulation, usually from the leakage of fluid from the bloodstream into the tissue surrounding the cells.
Function: The liquid outside the vessels is able to bathe the cells providing the necessary nutrients, but when it is captured by the lymphatic current it becomes lymph, which is carried to the heart, to return to the bloodstream.
Capillaries are small, thin lymph vessels that come into contact with body cells and capture fluids, and when they carry lymph to the heart, they expand and form the largest vessels and lymph nodes.
Function: capture and absorb fluid and proteins around cells, preventing fluid buildup and swelling in the body.
These are large lymphatic channels, known as the chest canal and right lymph canal, where lymphatic circulation flows before reaching the bloodstream.
Function: The chest canal collects and directs most of the lymph from the body to the blood, while the lymph canal is responsible for draining the lymph from the entire upper right limb and the right side of the head, neck and chest into the current. Blood.
These are organs distributed along the path of lymph vessels, which have different sizes, structures and functions, and can be stimulated whenever an infection or inflammation occurs. The main ones are:
In addition, there are the tonsils, called tonsils and adenoid vegetation, which are clusters of lymph nodes, located in the mouth, lower region of the tongue and pharynx, in addition to Peyer’s plaques, located in the intestine, which are also responsible for the production of system cells. helps protect against microorganisms.
Lymphatic drainage is a procedure that involves performing a massage with gentle movements, which aims to stimulate and facilitate the circulation of the lymph through your vessels, and reach the bloodstream more quickly.
Since the lymphatic system does not pump, as the heart does in the bloodstream, this massage can help the return of the lymph, especially in people who suffer from the fragility of these vessels and who tend to accumulate fluids in the tissues.
When performed with the right technique, this procedure may be helpful in removing any swelling from the face or body. Learn about the benefits and how manual lymphatic drainage is performed.