Lymph is a component of the body that many people have been familiar with for a long time. However, few people know what lymph is and what its functions are in the body. Hello Doctor would like to introduce everyone to the lymphatic system, another important system in the body that should not be overlooked.
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a network of connective tissues, blood vessels, and organs in the body that circulates a colorless fluid called lymph back into the circulatory system. Lymph circulates throughout the body, similar to the circulation of blood.
The main functions of the lymphatic system are as follows:
- Maintains the body’s water balance by collecting excess water that flows out of cells and tissues throughout the body and returning it to the ufabet https://ufabet999.app bloodstream.
- Absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the digestive system and returns them to the bloodstream.
- Protect the body from germs and foreign substances by producing lymphocytes and other immune cells that help eliminate foreign substances that enter the body, such as bacteria or viruses. Transport and eliminate abnormal cells from lymph. Components of the lymphatic system.
Components of lymph
The lymphatic system is a complex network made up of many parts, including:
- lymph
Lymph is excess fluid that flows from cells and tissues in the body, along with other substances such as proteins, minerals, fats, and cells. Lymph helps transport white blood cells to various parts of the body to help protect the body from germs and infection.
- Lymph nodes
A bean-shaped gland that monitors and filters damaged and cancerous cells from lymph. It also produces and stores lymphocytes and other immune cells that attack and eliminate foreign substances that harm the body.
Our bodies contain approximately 600 lymph nodes, which are distributed throughout the body. When the body is infected, the lymph nodes often respond by becoming swollen due to the accumulation of white blood cells, bacteria, and other microorganisms in the lymph nodes.
- Lymphatic vessels
Lymphatic vessels are a network of tubes that transport lymph to the tissues of the body. Lymphatic vessels collect cells and excess lymph before filtering it in lymph nodes. Lymphatic vessels function similarly to blood vessels. But the pressure inside lymph vessels is much lower and they have valves that open and close to keep the lymph flowing in the same direction.
- Collection Pipe
Collecting ducts are tubes that connect lymphatic vessels to veins. They function to return lymph to the bloodstream, maintaining normal blood volume and pressure. They also help prevent excessive fluid from accumulating in tissues.
Another component of the lymphatic system is the lymphoid organs, which are the central organs in producing cells that help fight foreign invaders and pathogens. The lymphoid organs include:
- Lymph nodes
- Thymus Gland
- Tonsils
- Spleen
- marrow
Other organs, such as the heart, lungs, intestines, liver, and skin, also contain some lymphatic tissue.
Common lymphatic system diseases
- Lymphoma
Lymphoma refers to a cancer that occurs in the lymph nodes, causing white blood cells to grow and multiply excessively without control. There are several types of lymphoma, including Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Lymph node inflammation
When lymph nodes become infected, they often become inflamed and swollen. The most common infections that cause swollen lymph nodes include strep throat, mononucleosis, HIV infection, and skin infections.
- Lymphedema
If the lymphatic system does not function properly, such as when there is a blockage in the lymphatic vessels, lymph will accumulate and cause swelling, known as lymphedema. This blockage of the lymphatic vessels may occur due to surgery, radiation therapy, or injury.