The lymphatic system is part of the cardiovascular system that complements it. It performs the most important functions in the human body, and its he alth is extremely important for its normal functioning. Lymph differs from blood in that it does not flow in a closed circle. Her movement is very slow, so she needs to be stimulated.
Interesting fact! In ancient times, the lymphatic system was considered as the main factor that determines human temperament. Temperament, in turn, determined the groups of diseases to which a person is susceptible.
What is the lymphatic system?
As human anatomy reports, the lymphatic system permeates the entire body. It consists of:
- capillaries;
- vessels;
- knots;
- lymphatic ducts and trunks;
- lymphatic organs.
Liquid connective tissue flows through them - lymph, the main composition of which is water, s alts, proteins, fats. Its composition is close to the blood plasma that nourishes the body. Lymph is colorless. In the human body itcontains 1 to 2 liters.
How does lymph formation occur?
Lymph formation occurs in the following way. In the blood capillaries, blood plasma is filtered. The fluid remaining as a result of this filtration is transported into the intercellular space. Thus, tissue fluid is formed, part of which returns to the blood, and the other part passes into the lymphatic capillaries. Its movement is largely dependent on muscle contraction, the position of the human body and his breathing.
Here it is so complicated - human anatomy. The lymphatic system and its structure are thought out by nature to the smallest detail. Consider this component of the human body in more detail.
Structure of the lymphatic system
Lymphatic capillaries are small tubes of different diameters, devoid of a membrane, which begin blindly. They form connections by intertwining with each other, passing into postcapillaries, which are larger formations containing valves. These valves push the lymph in one direction, preventing it from flowing back.
Attention! The word "lymph circulation" is incorrect, because lymph is a product of the endothelium and interendothelial layers, each time being updated in the body. Doctors call this process lymph drainage.
According to the section of biology called "human anatomy", the lymphatic system also consists of vessels that are formed from postcapillaries. The largest of them follow the path of veins and arteries and are called collectors. They collect lymph from the largest sources - upper and lower extremities, organs. They are divided into internal (located near blood vessels) and external (located in the subcutaneous tissue). Also, the vessels are divided into afferent and efferent (depending on the lymph flow in relation to the lymph nodes).
Lymphatic trunks are formed from the collectors, which are converted into ducts.
Lymph nodes
The human lymphatic system (anatomy has not paid due attention to this component of our body for a long time) also has its own "cleaners". Lymph nodes are small, round or oval formations, about 2 cm in diameter. They have a pinkish-gray hue. They are located along the lymphatic vessels. In young people, oval-shaped lymph nodes predominate, while in older people they are elongated. Their main function is to cleanse the lymph from toxic substances that enter there. Lymph nodes play the role of a kind of filter that captures toxins and “releases” already cleansed lymph.
The lymphatic organs are the spleen, tonsils and thymus (which develops before adolescence). Their main functions are to prevent the entry and development of infection in the body.
What functions does the lymphatic system perform in the body?
One of the most complex and confusing sciences is human anatomy. The lymphatic system, whose functions are very important for the body, does a great job.
BeforeIn total, it is responsible for the immune response of the body, protecting it from bacteria and viruses. That is why, in response to the penetration of the pathogen into the body (infection, virus), the lymph nodes increase. It is their increase in children that indicates the presence of, say, tuberculosis, although, in addition to this, lymph nodes increase in many other diseases. The protective function consists of two steps:
- destruction of bacteria by macrophages;
- production of lymphocytes.
Blood filtering. The spleen destroys red blood cells and kills all bacteria and viruses it finds in the blood. Young red blood cells are produced by the bone marrow.
Lymph filtering. If there are pathogenic microorganisms in the blood, then the lymph nodes filter them out. It is for this reason that when oncology is suspected, doctors first of all check the lymph nodes for the presence of metastases. The human lymphatic system (anatomy briefly discussed) in this case indicates how much the disease has spread throughout the body.
The outflow of fluid from the tissue into the blood. Plasma, which is part of the blood, seeps through the walls of blood vessels into other tissues. It passes through the lymphatic vessels, is cleansed and returned to the blood again. This circulation is continuous.
Diseases of the lymphatic system
According to human anatomy, the lymphatic system is extremely important for the he alth of the body, and violations of its work can cause serious complications.
Among disease groupslymphatic system secrete:
- malformations;
- injuries;
- inflammation;
- tumors.
One of the first symptoms of these diseases is an increase in lymph nodes and a noticeable decrease in immunity. Sweating and fatigue increase, patients are disturbed by a headache, the temperature can rise. Lymphedema appears. Lymph diseases are especially dangerous because toxins begin to accumulate in the body. That is, a violation of its activity affects all organs and systems of the body.
Methods of treatment of pathologies of the lymphatic system directly depend on the type of disease. Treatment varies from conservative to radiation or surgery.
We hope that people who are interested in human anatomy, the lymphatic system (photos showing how complex this component of our body is presented in the article) and its functions have learned a lot of new and interesting things about this environment of the body. How do you keep her he althy?
Lymphatic he alth
First of all, doctors recommend taking care of your he alth and avoiding disturbances in the digestive tract, as this entails pollution of the entire body and interferes with the functioning of the lymphatic system. She can no longer cope with the flow of toxins. Watch your diet.
Massage twice a year. This procedure effectively accelerates the lymph, but lymphatic drainage massage is especially effective,which acts directly on the lymph. If it is not possible to visit a massage therapist, in the shower, rub the body with a washcloth over the lymph flow.
Control your weight. Lymph is very sensitive to extra pounds. Stay active and stay he althy!
