What is the "lymph system"? How is it important to the body?
Lymph is one of the components in the body that many People have been familiar with each other for a long time. But few know that What is lymph And how does it function in the body? Hello, the doctor will introduce everyone to get acquainted with Lymphatic system Another important system in the body that should not be overlooked.
What is the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is the network that connects tissues, blood vessels, and organs in the body. To circulate the colorless liquid called lymph back into the circulatory system The lymph will circulate throughout the body. Similar to the flow of blood
The main functions of the lymphatic system are as follows.
- Maintain the balance of the water level in the body. By accumulating excess water that flows from cells and tissues throughout the body Then returned back into the bloodstream
- Absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins That is in the digestive system Then returned back into the bloodstream
- Protect the body from germs and foreign matter By producing lymphocyte and other immune cells To help get rid of foreign bodies that enter the body such as bacteria Or viruses, etc. transport and eliminate abnormal cells from the lymphatic Lymphatic system components
Lymphatic components
The lymphatic system is a complex network. Consisting of many different parts, including
- lymph
Lymph is the excess fluid that flows from the body's cells and tissues and combines with other substances such as proteins, minerals, fat.Lymphocytes help transport white blood cells to different points in the body to help protect the body from pathogens. And infection
- Lymph nodes
Glands that look like nuts It serves to monitor and filter the damaged cells and cancer cells from the lymphatic fluid. It also produces and stores lymphocytes. And other immune cells that attack and eliminate harmful foreign bodies.
In our body there are approximately 600 lymph nodes spread throughout the body and when the body becomes infected. The lymph nodes tend to respond with swelling. Because there is an accumulation of white blood cells Bacteria And other microorganisms Located in the lymph nodes
- Lymphatic duct
Lymphatic tubes are a network of ducts. The lymphatic vessels are responsible for transporting the lymph to various tissues in the body. Before being filtered to the lymph nodes The lymphatic vessels work like blood vessels. But the pressure in the lymphatic vessels is much lower And has a valve for opening and closing To help the lymph flow in the same way
- Collecting pipe
Collecting ducts are the ducts that connect the lymph ducts and veins. Serves in the return of lymph into the blood stream. To keep the volume and pressure of the blood at normal levels. It also prevents too much water from accumulating in the tissues.
In addition, another component of the lymphatic system is the lymphatic organ. Which is the central organ in cell production that helps fight foreign bodies and pathogens The lymphatic organs are
- Lymph nodes
- Thymus gland
- Tonsils
- Spleen
- marrow
Other organs, such as the heart, lungs, intestines, liver and skin, are also part of the lymphatic tissue.
Lymphatic system diseases are common.
- Cancer Lymphoma (Lymphoma)
Cancer Lymphoma refers to cancer that occurs in the lymph nodes. Causing white blood cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably There are different types of lymphoma, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma. And non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Inflamed lymph nodes
When the lymph nodes are infected It often causes the lymph nodes to become inflamed and swollen. The most common infections that cause swollen lymph nodes are: Strep throat Mononucleosis (Mononucleosis) HIV infection. And skin infections
- Lymphedema
If the lymphatic system malfunctions, such as a blockage in the lymphatic vessels. Will cause the accumulation of lymph Until causing swelling, called edema This blockage of the lymphatic vessels can occur from surgery. Radiation therapy Or injury.
