Parts of the lymphatic system. The vital role of the lymphatic system. Organs of the lymphatic system

The human lymphatic system (HLS) is a component of the vascular system, which is important in cleansing the tissues and cells of the body. Lymph nodes are links in the LChS, each of which is responsible for filtering a clear liquid (lymph) from harmful substances.

It is impossible to say unequivocally why the lymphatic system is needed, since it has numerous functions, which will be discussed below.

The structure of the LSC includes:

• lymph;
• lymphatic vessels and capillaries;
• lymph nodes (immune links, formations).

The circulatory and lymphatic systems differ significantly from each other. There are no erythrocytes in a clear liquid, and there are much fewer protein molecules than in blood. LSP is not closed. It lacks the main pump, i.e. the heart. Lymph moves into the LSP smoothly and under minimal pressure.

The structure of the human lymphatic system will tell the scheme. It will also indicate the features of the movement of the lymph. The components of the most important part of the body are described in detail below.

Lymph

The word "lymph" in Latin means "clear water". This is not surprising, because this liquid cleanses the body of harmful substances. In its structure, lymph is a connective tissue and has many lymphocytes, practically does not contain platelets and erythrocytes.

The composition of "pure water" includes the products of the vital activity of the body, including large molecules of proteins. Most often they are viruses that are filtered by the lymphatic system. The clear fluid contains various hormones produced by the endocrine glands.

Lymph moves from the periphery to the center, moving from bottom to top. It passes from small capillaries, which gradually flow into large vessels. The movement goes through formations - lymph nodes that perform the function of filtering. In total, the lymphatic system contains about 500 such anatomical structures.

Lymphatic vessels and capillaries

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LSP outwardly resembles the roots of a tree. This brings it closer to the nervous and circulatory systems. Lymphatic vessels permeate almost the entire human body, excluding the sclera, the inner part of the ear, and some other segments.

From the tissues, lymph enters the capillaries, which are connected to the lymphatic vessels. The latter surround all organs and often lie in several layers.

The lymph passes through the vessels to the regional links of immunity, localized in the inguinal and elbow areas, armpits, chest, etc. Large trunks emerge from the nodes, which flow into the ducts that open the way to the circulatory system for “clean water”.

Lymph nodes (immune links)

A lymph node (LN) is often a rounded formation that has a gray-pink color and sizes from 0.5 to 50 mm or more. Immune links are localized along the lymphatic and near the blood vessels. Each of the formations serves as a kind of filter. They are responsible for cleansing the body not only from microbes, but also from cancer cells. Thus, it is an essential part of human health.

The node structure includes:

• connective tissue capsule;
• stroma (structural basis) in which macrophages are located;
• cortical substance, consisting of a superficial part and a deep cortex.

At the heart of the immune links is lymphoid tissue, which contains lymphocytes, reticulocytes and plasma cells. In the formations, the most important components of immunity develop - B-lymphocytes, which participate in its formation.

Functions of the lymphatic system

Lymphocytes actively fight bacteria and viruses that enter the body from outside. This ensures the normal functioning of the body's defenses. Immune links increase if the number of microbes is too large and they can not cope with them. In this case, the help of a specialist is required.

The lymphatic system performs the function of cleansing from microbes and is responsible for the delivery of the most important elements to the venous bed. Later, these components through the blood circulation enter the cardiovascular system and leave the human body.

Most harmful substances are eliminated even at the stage of filtration with a clear liquid, i.e., they are destroyed in the links of immunity. The body normally “works” thanks to the lymphatic capillaries, through which proteins and other compounds come from the interstitial space into the clear liquid.

The way "clear water" flows is determined by the degree of muscle tension. Physical activity has a beneficial effect on the movement of lymph, promotes high-quality cleansing of the body and normalization of human health.

Major diseases

The most common problems with the lymphatic system are:

1. Lymphoma:

• Hodgkin - LSP cancer with a high degree of malignancy;
• non-Hodgkin's (B-cell or T-cell).

1. Lymphadenitis - inflammation of the immune links:

• acute, provoked by viruses or bacteria;
• chronic, caused by syphilis, immunodeficiency or tuberculosis, less often - influenza;
• purulent (occurs in advanced cases, characterized by the formation of exudate in the node).

1. Lymphedema (including elephantiasis) is a persistent swelling of an extremity that develops as a result of damage to the LSP, which contributes to impaired lymph circulation or the formation of lymphostasis.

Signs of malfunction of the lymphatic system are:

• swelling of the fingers;
• pain in the chest;
• cold extremities;
• cellulite;
• dry skin.

The lymphatic system and lymph are the most important components of the body, for the normal functioning of which are useful:

• physical activity;
• trampolining;
• yoga classes;
• proper diet;
• breathing exercises;
• rejection of bad habits;
• food according to Ayurveda.

If the cleansing function is violated, health problems arise. A person needs continuous work of LSP. How the structures cope with their task depends on his well-being. To maintain health, lymph is needed periodically.

Which doctor should I contact?

Treatment of LSP pathologies is reduced to the use of drugs or surgery. Having found deviations from the norm, you need to consult with a pediatrician / therapist who will refer you to a specialist.

Below is a table explaining which doctors deal with LSD diseases.

Lymphatic system - an integral part of the vascular system that drains tissues by forming lymph and conducting it into the venous bed (additional drainage system).

Up to 2 liters of lymph are produced per day, which corresponds to 10% of the volume of fluid that is not reabsorbed after filtration in the capillaries.

Lymph is a fluid that fills the vessels of the lymphatic channel and nodes. It, like blood, belongs to the tissues of the internal environment and performs trophic and protective functions in the body. In its properties, despite the great similarity with blood, lymph differs from it. At the same time, lymph is not identical to the tissue fluid from which it is formed.

Lymph consists of plasma and formed elements. Its plasma contains proteins, salts, sugar, cholesterol and other substances. The protein content in the lymph is 8-10 times less than in the blood. 80% of the formed elements of the lymph are lymphocytes, and the remaining 20% ​​are the share of other white blood cells. There are no normal erythrocytes in the lymph.

Functions of the lymphatic system:

Tissue drainage.

Ensuring continuous fluid circulation and metabolism in human organs and tissues. Prevents the accumulation of fluid in the tissue space with increased filtration in the capillaries.

Lymphopoiesis.

Transports fats away from the site of absorption in the small intestine.

Removal from the interstitial space of substances and particles that are not reabsorbed in the blood capillaries.

Spread of infection and malignant cells (tumor metastasis)

Factors that ensure the movement of lymph

Filtration pressure (due to the filtration of fluid from the blood capillaries into the intercellular space).

Permanent formation of lymph.

Availability of valves.

Contraction of the surrounding skeletal muscles and muscle elements of the internal organs (they squeeze the lymphatic vessels and the lymph moves in the direction determined by the valves).

The location of large lymphatic vessels and trunks near the blood vessels (the pulsation of the artery squeezes the walls of the lymphatic vessels and helps the lymph flow).

Suction action of the chest and negative pressure in the brachiocephalic veins.

Smooth muscle cells in the walls of lymphatic vessels and trunks .

Table 7

Similarities and differences in the structure of the lymphatic and venous systems

Lymph capillaries- thin-walled vessels, the diameter of which (10-200 microns) exceeds the diameter of blood capillaries (8-10 microns). The lymphatic capillaries are characterized by tortuosity, the presence of constrictions and expansions, lateral protrusions, the formation of lymphatic "lakes" and "lacunae" at the confluence of several capillaries.

The wall of the lymphatic capillaries is built from a single layer of endothelial cells (there is a basement membrane in the blood capillaries outside the endothelium).

Lymph capillaries No in the substance and membranes of the brain, cornea and lens of the eyeball, spleen parenchyma, bone marrow, cartilage, epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes, placenta, pituitary gland.

Lymphatic postcapillaries- an intermediate link between the lymphatic capillaries and blood vessels. The transition of the lymphatic capillary to the lymphatic postcapillary is determined by the first valve in the lumen (the valves of the lymphatic vessels are paired folds of the endothelium and the underlying basement membrane lying opposite each other). Lymphatic postcapillaries have all the functions of capillaries, but lymph flows through them in only one direction.

Lymphatic vessels are formed from networks of lymphatic postcapillaries (capillaries). The transition of a lymphatic capillary to a lymphatic vessel is determined by a change in the structure of the wall: in it, along with endothelium, there are smooth muscle cells and adventitia, and in the lumen - valves. Therefore, lymph can flow through the vessels in only one direction. The area of ​​the lymphatic vessel between the valves is currently referred to by the term "lymphangion" (Fig. 58).

Rice. 58. Lymphangion - morphofunctional unit of a lymphatic vessel:

1 - segment of the lymphatic vessel with valves.

Depending on the localization above or below the superficial fascia, the lymphatic vessels are divided into superficial and deep. Superficial lymphatic vessels lie in the subcutaneous adipose tissue above the superficial fascia. Most of them follow to the lymph nodes located near the superficial veins.

There are also intraorganic and extraorganic lymphatic vessels. Due to the existence of numerous anastomoses, intraorganic lymphatic vessels form wide-looped plexuses. The lymphatic vessels emerging from these plexuses accompany the arteries, veins and exit the organ. Extraorgan lymphatic vessels are sent to nearby groups of regional lymph nodes, usually accompanying blood vessels, more often veins.

On the path of the lymphatic vessels are located The lymph nodes. This determines that foreign particles, tumor cells, etc. linger in one of the regional lymph nodes. The exceptions are some lymphatic vessels of the esophagus and, in isolated cases, some vessels of the liver, which flow into the thoracic duct, bypassing the lymph nodes.

Regional lymph nodes organ or tissue - these are the lymph nodes that are the first in the path of the lymphatic vessels that carry lymph from this area of ​​​​the body.

lymph trunks- These are large lymphatic vessels that are no longer interrupted by lymph nodes. They collect lymph from several areas of the body or several organs.

There are four permanent paired lymph trunks in the human body.

jugular trunk(right and left) is represented by one or more vessels of small length. It is formed from the efferent lymphatic vessels of the lower lateral deep cervical lymph nodes located in a chain along the internal jugular vein. Each of them drains lymph from the organs and tissues of the corresponding sides of the head and neck.

subclavian trunk(right and left) is formed from the fusion of the efferent lymphatic vessels of the axillary lymph nodes, mainly the apical ones. It collects lymph from the upper limb, from the walls of the chest and mammary gland.

Bronchomediastinal trunk(right and left) is formed mainly from the efferent lymphatic vessels of the anterior mediastinal and upper tracheobronchial lymph nodes. It carries lymph away from the walls and organs of the chest cavity.

The efferent lymphatic vessels of the upper lumbar lymph nodes form the right and left lumbar trunks, which divert lymph from the lower limb, walls and organs of the pelvis and abdomen.

Inconsistent intestinal lymphatic trunk occurs in about 25% of cases. It is formed from the efferent lymphatic vessels of the mesenteric lymph nodes and flows into the initial (abdominal) part of the thoracic duct with 1-3 vessels.

Lymphatic trunks flow into two ducts: the thoracic duct (Fig. 59) and the right lymphatic duct, which flow into the veins of the neck in the so-called venous angle formed by the union of the subclavian and internal jugular veins. The thoracic lymphatic duct flows into the left venous angle, through which lymph flows from 3/4 of the human body: from the lower extremities, pelvis, abdomen, left half of the chest, neck and head, left upper limb. The right lymphatic duct flows into the right venous angle, through which lymph is brought from 1/4 of the body: from the right half of the chest, neck, head, from the right upper limb.

thoracic duct (ductus thoracicus) has a length of 30-45 cm, is formed at the level of the XI thoracic -1 lumbar vertebrae by the fusion of the right and left lumbar trunks (trunci lumbales dexter et sinister). Sometimes at the beginning of the thoracic duct has extension (cisterna chyli). The thoracic duct is formed in the abdominal cavity and passes into the chest cavity through the aortic opening of the diaphragm, where it is located between the aorta and the right medial crus of the diaphragm, the contractions of which help to push the lymph into the thoracic duct. At the level of the VII cervical vertebra, the thoracic duct forms an arc and, having rounded the left subclavian artery, flows into the left venous angle or the veins that form it. At the mouth of the duct there is a semilunar valve that prevents the penetration of blood from the vein into the duct. The left bronchomediastinal trunk (truncus bronchomediastinalis sinister), which collects lymph from the left half of the chest, flows into the upper part of the thoracic duct, as well as the left subclavian trunk (truncus subclavius ​​sinister), which collects lymph from the left upper limb and the left jugular trunk (truncus jugularis sinister), which carries lymph from the left half of the head and neck.

Right lymphatic duct (ductus lymphaticus dexter) 1-1.5 cm long, formed at the confluence of the right subclavian trunk (truncus subclavius ​​dexter), which carries lymph from the right upper limb, the right jugular trunk (truncus jugularis dexter), which collects lymph from the right half of the head and neck, and the right bronchomediastinal trunk (truncus bronchomediastinalis dexter), which brings lymph from the right half of the chest. However, more often the right lymphatic duct is absent, and the trunks forming it flow into the right venous angle on their own.

Lymph nodes of certain areas of the body.

Head and neck

There are many groups of lymph nodes in the head region (Fig. 60): occipital, mastoid, facial, parotid, submandibular, submental, etc. Each group of nodes receives lymphatic vessels from the area closest to its location.

So, the submandibular nodes lie in the submandibular triangle and collect lymph from the chin, lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, palate, lower eyelid, nose, submandibular and sublingual salivary glands. In the parotid lymph nodes, located on the surface and in the thickness of the gland of the same name, lymph flows from the forehead, temple, upper eyelid, auricle, walls of the external auditory canal.

Fig.60. Lymphatic system of the head and neck.

1 - anterior ear lymph nodes; 2 - rear ear lymph nodes; 3 - occipital lymph nodes; 4 - lower ear lymph nodes; 5 - buccal lymph nodes; 6 - chin lymph nodes; 7 - posterior submandibular lymph nodes; 8 - anterior submandibular lymph nodes; 9 - lower submandibular lymph nodes; 10 - superficial cervical lymph nodes

There are two main groups of lymph nodes in the neck: deep and superficial cervical. Deep cervical lymph nodes in large numbers accompany the internal jugular vein, and superficial lie near the external jugular vein. In these nodes, mainly in the deep cervical ones, there is an outflow of lymph from almost all the lymphatic vessels of the head and neck, including the efferent vessels of other lymph nodes in these areas.

Upper limb

There are two main groups of lymph nodes on the upper limb: elbow and axillary. The ulnar nodes lie in the ulnar fossa and receive lymph from part of the vessels of the hand and forearm. Through the efferent vessels of these nodes, the lymph flows into the axillary nodes. Axillary lymph nodes are located in the fossa of the same name, one part of them lies superficially in the subcutaneous tissue, the other - in depth near the axillary arteries and veins. Lymph flows into these nodes from the upper limb, as well as from the mammary gland, from the superficial lymphatic vessels of the chest and the upper part of the anterior abdominal wall.

chest cavity

In the chest cavity, the lymph nodes are located in the anterior and posterior mediastinum (anterior and posterior mediastinal), near the trachea (peritracheal), in the bifurcation of the trachea (tracheobronchial), in the hilum of the lung (bronchopulmonary), in the lung itself (pulmonary), and also on the diaphragm. (upper diaphragmatic), near the heads of the ribs (intercostal), near the sternum (peripheral), etc. Lymph flows from the organs and partially from the walls of the chest cavity into these nodes.

lower limb

On the lower extremity, the main groups of lymph nodes are popliteal and inguinal. The popliteal nodes are located in the fossa of the same name near the popliteal arteries and veins. These nodes receive lymph from part of the lymphatic vessels of the foot and lower leg. The efferent vessels of the popliteal nodes carry lymph mainly to the inguinal nodes.

Inguinal lymph nodes are divided into superficial and deep. Superficial inguinal nodes lie below the inguinal ligament under the skin of the thigh on top of the fascia, and deep inguinal nodes lie in the same area, but under the fascia near the femoral vein. Lymph flows into the inguinal lymph nodes from the lower limb, as well as from the lower half of the anterior abdominal wall, perineum, from the superficial lymphatic vessels of the gluteal region and lower back. From the inguinal lymph nodes, lymph flows to the external iliac nodes, which are related to the nodes of the pelvis.

In the pelvis, the lymph nodes are located, as a rule, along the course of the blood vessels and have a similar name (Fig. 61). So, the external iliac, internal iliac and common iliac nodes lie near the arteries of the same name, and the sacral nodes lie on the pelvic surface of the sacrum, near the median sacral artery. Lymph from the pelvic organs flows mainly to the internal iliac and sacral lymph nodes.

Rice. 61. Lymph nodes of the pelvis and the vessels connecting them.

1 - uterus; 2 - right common iliac artery; 3 - lumbar lymph nodes; 4 - iliac lymph nodes; 5 - inguinal lymph nodes

abdominal cavity

There are a large number of lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity. They are located along the course of the blood vessels, including the vessels passing through the gates of the organs. So, along the course of the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava near the lumbar spine, there are up to 50 lymph nodes (lumbar). In the mesentery of the small intestine along the branches of the superior mesenteric artery lies up to 200 nodes (superior mesenteric). There are also lymph nodes: celiac (near the celiac trunk), left gastric (along the greater curvature of the stomach), right gastric (along the lesser curvature of the stomach), hepatic (in the region of the gate of the liver), etc. Lymph from the organs flows into the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity, located in this cavity, and partly from its walls. Lymph from the lower extremities and pelvis also enters the lumbar lymph nodes. It should be noted that the lymphatic vessels of the small intestine are called lactiferous, since lymph flows through them, containing fat absorbed in the intestine, which gives the lymph the appearance of a milky emulsion - hilus (hilus - milky juice).

Content

The lymphatic system performs in the body the functions of cleansing tissues, cells from foreign agents (foreign bodies), protection from toxic substances. It is part of the circulatory system, but differs in structure from it and is considered as an independent structural and functional unit that has its own network of vessels and organs. The main feature of the lymphatic system is its open structure.

What is the lymphatic system

The complex of specialized vessels, organs, structural elements is called the lymphatic system. Essential elements:

1. Capillaries, trunks, vessels through which fluid (lymph) moves. The main difference from blood vessels is a large number of valves that allow the fluid to be dispersed in all directions.
2. Nodes - single or organized by education groups that act as lymph filters. They trap harmful substances, process microbial and viral particles, antibodies by phagocytosis.
3. The central organs are the thymus gland, spleen, red bone marrow, in which specific immune blood cells, lymphocytes, are formed, mature and “learn”.
4. Separate accumulations of lymphoid tissue - adenoids.

Functions

The human lymphatic system performs a number of important tasks:

1. Ensuring the circulation of tissue fluid, with which toxic substances and metabolites leave the tissue.
2. Transport of fats, fatty acids from the small intestine, which ensures fast delivery of nutrients to organs and tissues.
3. Protective function of blood filtration.
4. Immune function: production of large numbers of lymphocytes.

Structure

The following structural elements are distinguished in the lymphatic system: lymphatic vessels, nodes and lymph proper. Conventionally, in anatomy, the organs of the lymphatic system include some parts of the immune system that provide a constant composition of human lymph, the utilization of harmful substances. The lymphatic system in women has, according to some studies, a larger network of vessels, and in men there is an increased number of lymph nodes. It can be concluded that the lymphatic system, due to the peculiarities of its structure, helps the immune system.

Scheme

The lymph flow and the structure of the human lymphatic system obey a certain scheme, which provides the lymph with the opportunity to flow from the interstitial space to the nodes. The basic rule of lymphatic flow is the movement of fluid from the periphery to the center, while passing filtration in several stages through local nodes. Departing from the nodes, the vessels form trunks called ducts.

From the left upper limb, neck, left lobe of the head, organs below the ribs, flowing into the left subclavian vein, the lymph flow forms the thoracic duct. Passing through the right upper quarter of the body, including the head and chest, bypassing the right subclavian vein, the lymph flow forms the right duct. This separation helps not to overload the vessels and nodes, the lymph circulates freely from the interstitial space into the blood. Any blockage of the duct threatens with edema or tissue swelling.

Lymph movement

The speed, direction of movement of the lymph during normal functioning is constant. The movement begins from the moment of synthesis in the lymphatic capillaries. With the help of the contractile element of the walls of blood vessels and valves, the fluid collects and moves to a certain group of nodes, is filtered, then, purified, is poured into large veins. Thanks to this organization, the functions of the lymphatic system are not limited to the circulation of interstitial fluid, and it can work as an instrument of the immune system.

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Diseases of the lymphatic system

The most common diseases are lymphadenitis - tissue inflammation due to the accumulation of a large amount of lymphatic fluid, in which the concentration of harmful microbes and their metabolites is very high. Often, the pathology has the appearance of an abscess. The mechanisms of lymphadenitis can be triggered by:

• tumors, both malignant and benign;
• prolonged squeezing syndrome;
• injuries affecting directly the lymphatic vessels;
• bacterial systemic diseases;
• destruction of red blood cells

Diseases of the lymphatic system include local infectious lesions of organs: tonsillitis, inflammation of individual lymph nodes, tissue lymphangitis. Such problems arise due to the failure of the human immune system, excessive infectious load. Folk methods of treatment involve various methods of cleaning nodes, vessels.

How to cleanse the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system performs the function of a “filter” of the human body; many pathogenic substances accumulate in it. The body copes with the function of cleaning the lymphatic vessels and nodes on its own. However, if symptoms of incompetence of the lymphatic and immune systems appear (tight knots, frequent colds), it is recommended to carry out cleansing measures on your own for prevention purposes. How to cleanse the lymph and lymphatic system, you can ask your doctor.

1. A diet consisting of a large amount of pure water, raw vegetables and boiled buckwheat without salt. This diet is recommended to follow 5-7 days.
2. Lymphatic drainage massage, which will eliminate the stagnation of the lymph and “stretch” the vessels, improving their tone. Use with caution in varicose veins.
3. Reception of phytopreparations and herbs. Oak bark, hawthorn fruits will increase lymph flow, diuretic action will help to eliminate toxins.

Video

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

The human body is a complex structure consisting of various systems. To a greater or lesser extent, we know how the digestive system works, or the musculoskeletal, respiratory, and others. How does the lymphatic system work? What do you know about lymph? Often our knowledge is limited to acquaintance with the word "lymph nodes" and a line in the results of analyzes with the name "lymphocytes". What is especially sad is that even among doctors it is quite difficult to find a specialist lymphologist.

What is lymph and why do we need it?

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system is not closed in structure, and the fluid moves in it from the periphery to the center under slight pressure. Interestingly, a healthy person of average build has about 2-2.5 liters of lymph.

The lymphatic system consists of nodes, vessels and capillaries through which lymph moves. Here are the nodes you can sometimes feel behind the ears, on the neck, in the groin or in the armpits, for example. Inflamed lymph nodes when an infection enters the body, it is delayed by the lymphatic system and transported to the nearest nodes, where protective cells try to overcome the "guests". When there are too many alien agents, the number of defenders also increases, which leads to an increase in the size of the node.

Cleansing the lymphatic system

The movement of lymph in the vessels occurs due to muscle contractions, respectively, in order for the lymph to move more intensively, not to stagnate and cleanse the body, we need to move ourselves. The more you move, the better your lymphatic system works. Even at work, you need to take breaks for breathing exercises, warm-ups, or go outside for a while.

Be sure to observe drinking regimen, it is useful not only for the lymphatic, but also for absolutely all body systems. In addition, self-cleaning of waste products of the lymphatic system occurs through the salivary glands, they draw out all dead cells and toxins from the body, and then they are brought out through the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, starting the morning with a glass of water is a great healthy habit.

Helps with the task of cleaning the lymphatic system and ginger. Chewing a slice of its root after eating, or adding a little ginger juice to your favorite smoothie, you activate salivation and free the body from excess. However, you will find many more cleaning methods on the Internet using citrus, licorice root and other methods, so be careful.

Lymphatic drainage massage benefit or harm?

We used to think that massage is always good and useful, unless, of course, the professionalism of the master and his knowledge are sufficient to perform manipulations with your body. Lymphatic drainage procedures are especially widely used for aesthetic purposes: to eliminate the manifestations of cellulite and puffiness, to correct body contours, tighten and smooth the skin surface. Often people who are far from medicine work in beauty salons, so you should know what is “good” and what is “bad”.

Movements should must pass along the lines of the lymph flow towards the center. This is important because the lymphatic ducts have valves that prevent backflow of lymph. If the massage is performed in reverse, these valves are damaged or destroyed, thus creating even more problems.

This applies to both manual and hardware massage.

If the massage is done correctly, then the positive effect will be noticeable almost immediately. IN medical massage helps to establish lymph flow and blood circulation (including in the treatment of varicose veins), helps to eliminate edema, is effective in treating stress and improving the emotional state, and also generally has a beneficial effect on the immune system.

In order to keep the lymphatic system in a healthy state, in addition to the tips listed above, remember that almost everything “unhealthy” that you eat, apply to the skin and interact with gets into the lymph. Therefore, be careful and choose organic products and cosmetics, wear loose and natural clothes.

Health is better to protect than to restore!

The lymphatic system is a part of the vascular system that participates together with the venous bed in the outflow of fluids from tissues (Fig. 1). The roots of the lymphatic system are the lymphatic capillaries, which receive metabolic products from the tissues, and in pathological conditions, foreign particles and microorganisms. Cancer cells can spread through the lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic capillaries are thin-walled endothelial tubes connected in a network; they are found everywhere except for the head and, cartilage, sclera and lens of the eye,. The diameter of the lymphatic capillaries is several times greater than the diameter of the blood capillaries. When the lymphatic capillaries merge, lymphatic vessels are formed, which are characterized by the presence of valves that ensure the flow of lymph in one direction. At the locations of the valves, constrictions are formed, and therefore the vessels have a clear shape. Lymphatic vessels form wide-loop plexuses in the walls of organs. From an organ or part of the body, several groups of efferent lymphatic vessels exit, heading to nearby regional lymph nodes. Flowing through the lymph node, the lymph is enriched with lymphocytes.

Lymph nodes are involved in the processes and protective reactions of the body. They are active biological filters, produce antibodies and regulate lymph flow. In the lymph nodes, the lymph currents from the individual organs of this area merge. Lymphatic vessels leaving the lymph nodes form larger vessels - lymphatic trunks (lumbar, intestinal, subclavian, jugular and broncho-mediastinal). The trunks merge into two lymphatic ducts: the thoracic duct, which collects lymph from the tissues of 3/4 of the body, and the right lymphatic duct, which collects lymph from the right half of the head and neck, the right half of the chest cavity and the right arm. The thoracic duct (30 to 41 cm long) begins in the abdominal cavity, passes through the diaphragm to the posterior and continues on the neck, flowing into the left subclavian vein. The right lymphatic duct (1-1.5 cm long) is located on the border of the neck and chest on the right and flows into the right subclavian vein. The lymphatic system also includes the lymphoid follicles of the mucous membranes and tonsils.

Rice. 1. human lymphatic system(front view): 1 - lymphatic vessels of the face; 2 - submandibular lymph nodes; 3 - submental lymph nodes; 4 - the mouth of the thoracic duct; 5 - anterior mediastinal lymph nodes; 6 - axillary lymph nodes; 7 - superficial lymphatic vessels of the hand, following the course of the head vein; 8 - medial group of superficial lymphatic vessels of the hand; 9 - lumbar lymph nodes; 10 - upper iliac lymph nodes; 11 - internal iliac lymph nodes; 12 - superficial inguinal lymph nodes; 13 - medial group of superficial lymphatic vessels of the leg; 14 - lateral group of superficial lymphatic vessels of the leg; 15 - superficial lymphatic vessels of the foot; 16 - deep lymphatic vessels of the foot; 17 - deep lymphatic vessels of the lower leg; 18 - deep lymphatic vessels of the thigh; 19 - deep lymphatic vessels of the palm; 20 - deep inguinal lymph nodes; 21 - lower iliac lymph nodes; 22 - deep lymphatic vessels; 23 - thoracic duct; 24 - intercostal lymph nodes; 25 - superficial ulnar lymph nodes; 26 - shoulder lymph nodes; 27 - subclavian trunk; 28 - jugular trunk; 29 - deep cervical lymph nodes; 30 - jugular-bigastric lymph node; 31 - posterior lymph node; 32 - parotid lymph nodes.