Do you want to know what the lymphatic system is: its main parts, functions and pathologies?
The lymphatic system is a transport system that resembles the circulatory system. However, unlike the previous one, it begins in the body’s tissues, circulates through the lymphatic vessels and ends up in the blood. The lymphatic system is made up of lymph, lymphatic vessels, and lymph nodes.
Its main function is to transport interstitial fluid to return it to the blood. In addition, it transports fats in the body. Lastly, it is involved in the immune response.
1. The lymphatic system and lymph
The task of the lymphatic system is to detoxify our body, by purifying elements such as waste and dead cells. In addition, it is joined by another equally essential function: strengthening our immune response.
- It achieves this thanks to the lymph, a liquid that activates our natural defenses and strengthens the white blood cells.
- The lymphatic system also controls the concentration of proteins in our body and in turn regulates the production of chyle, a fluid formed by proteins that favors the production of certain amino acids.
2. Organs that are part of the lymphatic system
Bone marrow
The bone marrow, as we already know, produces blood cells. Among the most relevant are lymphocytes. In this way, for example, B lymphocytes, important during the immune response, mature in the spinal cord.
The scam
We have already talked on occasion about the scam in our space. This small structure serves a very important purpose in the lymphatic system: it matures lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells that are essential in our immune system.
Spleen
Some still think that the spleen is useless. It is a mistake, because this organ has the important task of filtering our blood, and of eliminating all those problem or waste cells that are no longer useful to us.
Lymph nodes
We know about lymph nodes that they become inflamed and that they are susceptible to developing carcinogenic processes such as Hodgkin‘s lymphoma.
However, what else can we say about them?
They are nodules that are grouped in various areas of our body, such as the armpits and the groin. They also aim to fight germs and infections.
3. Diseases associated with the lymphatic system
Diseases of the lymphatic system give their first symptom with an inflammation in a node. It is the most striking but, on occasions, other signs may appear. Let’s see below some information about it.
Lymphedema
- This is a common problem in women who have had a breast removed due to breast cancer.
- There is an accumulation of lymph, with which, patients experience an increase in volume and a striking swelling in their arms or legs.
Adenopathy
- An adenopathy is an inflammation in a lymph node. It is not always caused by a carcinogenic process, most of the time it is the result of a weak immune system, low defenses.
- Likewise, adenopathies are also common due to viral causes, such as measles or mononucleosis.
- On the other hand, and as we have already pointed out, the inflammation of a node is related in turn to primary tumors such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, all of which have a good prognosis if detection is early.
Edema
We can differentiate in this case lymph dynamic edema and lymph static edema. The former is due to simple circulatory problems and the latter to lymphatic failure due to an accumulation of proteins.
4. Tips to take better care of your lymphatic system
We already know that the lymphatic system fulfills two very basic tasks: purify the body and promote a defensive barrier against any virus or bacteria by strengthening our immune system.
Therefore, it is vital that we improve our life habits to take care of that network of organs, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels that provide us with so much well-being and care. Here are some simple tips to achieve it:
- Eat fresh and organic food.
- Reduce your sources of stress.
- Sleep between 7 and 9 hours a day.
- Take warm, relaxing baths that end with a cold shower.
- Get moderate exercise.
- Drink lemon water.
- Massages that activate your lymphatic circulation are very positive.
- Nettle and aloe vera infusions are sensational.
- Practice yoga.
In conclusion, the lymphatic system undoubtedly deserves our full attention. It is simply enough that we take care of ourselves a little better, that we are aware that simple acts such as eating in a balanced way or properly managing our emotions have a direct impact on health and well-being.
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