Lymphatic System

In addition, it has other functions such as protecting immune cells, as it works together with the immune system. Another important role of the lymphatic system is in the absorption of fatty acids and the balance of fluids (liquids) in the tissues.

How does the Lymphatic System work?

To perform its function of eliminating impurities from our body, the lymphatic system works together with the immune system.

The lymphatic system works together with various organs and elements of the body. This is how it can reach all parts of the body to filter the tissue fluid that nourishes and oxygenates the blood capillaries and carries away carbon dioxide and waste.

Unlike blood, which is driven by the force of the heart, in the lymphatic system lymph moves slowly and at low pressure. It depends on the compression of muscle movements to press the fluid.

It is from the contraction caused by the movement of the muscles that the fluid is transported to the lymphatic vessels. As they are larger, they end up accumulating in the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct, thus traveling to the rest of the body.

Components of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is made up of different components and organs. See below what they are and how each of them works in the body.

Lymph nodes

Lymph nodes (lymph glands) are called lymph nodes. They are small organs (up to 2 cm) present in the neck, chest, abdomen, armpit and groin.

Formed by lymphoid tissue and distributed throughout the body, lymph nodes are responsible for filtering lymph before it returns to the blood. They also act in the body’s defense, preventing foreign particles from remaining in the body.

Lymph

Lymph is a clear, alkaline liquid similar to blood that circulates through the lymphatic vessels. However, it does not contain red blood cells and therefore has a whitish, milky appearance.

Responsible for eliminating impurities, lymph is produced by the small intestine and liver. It is transported by the lymphatic vessels in a single direction (unidirectional), filtered by the lymph nodes and released into the blood.

Lymphatic vessels

Lymphatic vessels are channels distributed throughout the body, which have valves that transport lymph in the bloodstream in a single direction, thus preventing reflux.

They act in the body’s defense system, as they remove dead cells and transport lymphocytes (white blood cells) that fight infections in the body.

Spleen

The largest of the lymphatic organs, the spleen is an oval-shaped organ located below the diaphragm and behind the stomach.

It is responsible for defending the body and performs the following functions: production of antibodies (T and B lymphocytes) and red blood cells (hematopoiesis), blood storage and hormone release.

Timo

The thymus is an organ located in the thoracic cavity, close to the heart.

In addition to producing substances such as thymosin and thymine, the thymus produces antibodies (T lymphocytes), thus acting to defend the body.

It is interesting to note that the thymus is an organ that decreases in size throughout life.

Palatine tonsils

Popularly, these two organs located in the throat are known as tonsils or palatine tonsils.

They are responsible for selecting microorganisms that enter the body, mainly through the mouth. In this case, they help in the body’s defense process since they produce lymphocytes.

Some Diseases of the Lymphatic System

Elephantiasis

Filariasis or filariasis is known as an “infectious tropical disease” and corresponds to the inflammation of the lymphatic vessels transmitted by insects (culex mosquito).

Its name is associated with fluid retention or swelling of the limbs, making the legs of patients look like an elephant.

Lymphedema

Characterized by inflammation and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels, lymphedema leads to excessive swelling of the limbs.

Interesting facts about the lymphatic system

• Other diseases associated with the lymphatic system are cellulite (accumulation of fat), which can be alleviated with lymphatic drainage treatment; inguinal lymph nodes (swelling of the lymph nodes) and some types of cancer (lymphoma), such as breast cancer.
• In the human body, lymph is more abundant than blood.