Lymph and lymph circulation. The vital role of the lymphatic system Types and groups of diseases

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 parts of the personal emergency system, each of which is responsible for filtering clear liquid (lymph) from harmful substances.

It is impossible to say unequivocally what the lymphatic system is needed for, 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 are significantly different from each other. There are no red blood cells in the clear liquid, and there are much fewer protein molecules than in blood. The LSC is not closed. It lacks the main pump, i.e. the heart. Lymph moves into the LSF smoothly and under minimal pressure.

The structure of the human lymphatic system will be shown in the diagram. She will also indicate the features of lymph movement. The components of the most important part of the body are described in detail below.

Lymph

The word "lymph" is translated from Latin as "clean water". This is not surprising, because this liquid cleanses the body of harmful substances. In its structure, lymph is connective tissue and has many lymphocytes, practically no platelets and red blood cells.

The composition of “pure water” includes waste products of the body, including large protein molecules. Most often they are viruses that are filtered by the lymph system. The clear liquid 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 occurs through formations - lymph nodes, which perform the function of filtration. In total, the lymphatic system contains about 500 such anatomical structures.

Lymphatic vessels and capillaries

Click to enlarge

The LSP looks like the roots of a tree. This brings it closer to the nervous and circulatory systems. Lymphatic vessels penetrate almost the entire human body, excluding the sclera, the inside of the ear and some other segments.

From tissues, lymph comes into capillaries, which connect into lymph vessels. The latter surround all organs and often lie in several layers.

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

Lymph nodes (immune links)

A lymph node (LN) is often a round formation, gray-pink in color and measuring from 0.5 to 50 mm or more. Immune links are localized along the lymphatic and near blood vessels. Each of the formations serves as a kind of filter. They are responsible for cleansing the body not only of microbes, but also of 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;
• cortex, consisting of a superficial part and a deep cortex.

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

Functions of the lymphatic system

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

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

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

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

1. Lymphadenitis - inflammation of the immune system:

• 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 persistent swelling of a limb that develops as a result of damage to the lymph nodes, which contributes to impaired lymph circulation or the formation of lymphostasis.

Signs of a 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 the following are useful:

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

If the cleansing function is disrupted, health problems arise. A person needs continuous work of a medical device. His well-being depends on how the structures cope with their task. To maintain health, lymph is needed periodically.

Which doctor should I contact?

Treatment of LSP pathologies comes down to the use of medications or surgery. If you find deviations from the norm, you need to consult a pediatrician/therapist, who will refer you to a specialist.

Below is a table explaining which doctors deal with medical conditions.

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

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 contains about 2-2.5 liters of lymph.

The lymphatic system consists of nodes, vessels and capillaries through which lymph moves. You can sometimes feel nodes behind the ears, on the neck, in the groin or in the armpits, for example. Lymph nodes become inflamed When an infection enters the body, it is retained by the lymphatic system and transported to the nearest nodes, where protective cells try to overcome the “guests.” When there are too many foreign 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; accordingly, in order for the lymph to move more intensely, not to stagnate and to 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-up, or go outside for a while.

Be sure to follow drinking regime, this is useful not only for the lymphatic, but also for absolutely all systems of the body. In addition, self-cleaning of waste from the lymphatic system occurs through the salivary glands; they pull out all dead cells and waste from the body, and then remove them out through the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, starting your morning with a glass of water is a great healthy habit.

Excellent for helping to cleanse the lymphatic system and ginger. By chewing a slice of its root after a meal, or adding a little ginger juice to your favorite smoothie, you activate salivation and rid the body of excess. However, on the Internet you will find many more cleaning methods using citrus fruits, licorice root and other methods, so be careful.

Is lymphatic drainage massage beneficial or harmful?

We are accustomed to believe 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 appearance of cellulite and swelling, 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 must be sure to follow the lymph flow lines towards the center. This is important because the lymphatic ducts have valves that prevent the lymph from flowing back. If the massage is performed in the opposite direction, these valves become damaged or destroyed, thus creating even greater problems.

This applies to both manual and hardware massage.

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

To keep your lymphatic system healthy, in addition to the tips listed above, remember that almost everything “unhealthy” you eat, put on your skin, or interact with ends up in the lymph. Therefore, be careful and choose organic products and cosmetics, wear loose and natural clothes.

It is better to preserve health than to restore it!

What is the lymphatic system?

The human lymphatic system is a huge network of tiny vessels that combine into larger ones and are directed to the lymph nodes. Lymphatic capillaries penetrate all human tissues, as well as blood vessels. Connecting with each other, the capillaries form a tiny network. Through it, fluid, protein substances, metabolic products, microbes, as well as foreign substances and toxins are removed from the tissues.

Lymph, which fills the lymphatic system, contains cells that protect the body from invading microbes as well as foreign substances. By combining, capillaries form vessels of various diameters. The largest lymphatic duct flows into the circulatory system.

What are lymph nodes and why are they needed?

Lymph nodes are round or oval-shaped formations ranging in size from 1 millimeter to 2 centimeters. The lymph node is a barrier to the spread of both infection and cancer cells. It produces lymphocytes - protective cells that actively participate in the destruction of foreign substances and cells.

There are several groups of lymph nodes. These groups are located in such a way as to become a barrier to infection and cancer. Thus, the lymph nodes are located in the elbow, armpit, knee, and groin area. The lymph nodes of the neck provide protection against infections and tumors of the head and organs located in the neck.

A huge number of lymph nodes are located in the abdominal and chest cavity. Lymphocapillaries penetrate organs as well as superficial tissues. Lymph nodes located along the blood vessels perform the same functions.

Enlarged lymph nodes

Enlarged lymph nodes indicate trouble in the area that the node “serves.” Most often, an enlarged lymph node is associated with infection, less often it is a consequence of a tumor lesion.

With purulent processes, as a rule, acute lymphadenitis occurs - inflammation of the lymph node. An inflammatory process occurs due to the ingress of microbes from wounds located in the “service area” of the lymph node. The main manifestation is an enlargement of the lymph node, the appearance of pain when palpating it. When a purulent process occurs above the lymph node, the skin may turn red. If the resulting cavity is not opened at this moment, the membrane of the lymph node ruptures and pus penetrates into the surrounding tissue. A serious complication of lymphadenitis occurs - phlegmon.

In children, enlargement of lymph nodes due to tuberculosis is one of the characteristic manifestations of infection. Most often, the lymph nodes of the chest cavity become enlarged. Less commonly, there is an increase in the lymph nodes of the neck (popularly called “scrofula”).

A common cause of lymph node enlargement in children is cat scratch disease. The causative agent of this infection is a microbe called Bartonella. Cats are carriers of the bacteria. From the scratch, microbes spread through the lymphatic vessels and enter the lymph nodes, which become enlarged and painful. A non-healing purulent wound and an enlarged nearby lymph node should always suggest cat scratch disease as the cause of this condition.

In acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), children may experience an increase in several groups of lymph nodes. This is a consequence of an excessive response of the immune system to the invasion of viruses into the body. As a rule, the lymph nodes in such cases increase slightly and are painful when touched.

With sexually transmitted diseases, in particular syphilis, an enlarged lymph node, usually in the groin area, is preceded by the appearance of an ulcer on the genitals - chancre. Unlike other infectious diseases, with syphilis, an enlarged lymph node can be painless.

Long-term enlargement of several groups of lymph nodes may indicate diseases such as brucellosis, listeriosis, mononucleosis, and HIV infection.

Enlarged lymph nodes in tumor diseases

Tumor involvement of the lymph nodes can be a consequence of both lymphoproliferative diseases, when the tumor initially originates from the lymph node, and a consequence of metastatic lesions. Lymphoproliferative diseases include, first of all, lymphogranulomatosis and lymphosarcoma. Lymph nodes in these diseases increase to 3-4 cm, and sometimes more, and become dense. When palpated, such lymph nodes are painless. With the initial enlargement of the intrathoracic and intra-abdominal lymph nodes, lymphoproliferative diseases may not be recognized immediately.

Metastatic damage to the lymph nodes is observed in a number of diseases. In this case, tumor cells enter the nodes through the lymphatic tract. As they multiply, they lead to enlargement of the lymph node. Breast cancer, melanoma, thyroid cancer, laryngeal cancer, tongue cancer, rectal cancer, and lung cancer most often metastasize to the lymph nodes. With metastatic lesions, the lymph node is dense and painless.

Enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes occurs with:

• Melanoma of the skin and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin of the lower extremities, lumbar and gluteal region
• Rectal cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Lymphomas
• and etc.

The cause of enlarged lymph nodes in the axillary area may be:

• Mammary cancer
• Melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin of the upper extremities, shoulder girdle, upper back and chest
• Lymphogranulomatosis
• and etc.

The cause of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck may be:

• Thyroid cancer
• Laryngeal cancer, cancer of the floor of the mouth, tongue cancer
• Lymphogranulomatosis
• and etc.

References:

A.G. Rakhmanova, V.K. Prigozhkina, V.A. Neverov. Infectious diseases. Guide for general practitioners. Moscow-St. Petersburg, 1995.""

How can we help our body?

Ten tips to keep your lymphatic system in good condition:

1. Exercises

Regular exercise improves blood circulation, lymph flows smoothly in the body. Jumping on a trampoline or jumping rope is thought to be particularly beneficial for the lymphatic system.

2. Drink lemon water

Lymph is 95% water, so getting enough fluid is essential for the system to function well. Without the right amount of water, lymph cannot flow properly, causing dehydration. Lemon adds alkali to the water, which supplies the body with minerals.

3. Eat right

Avoid processed foods. Sugar substitutes and preservatives put a lot of stress on the lymphatic system. Natural foods that contain vitamins and minerals will help cleanse your body. Fruits, vegetables, spirulina, flaxseed oil, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts and avocados provide the body with important vitamins and minerals, fatty acids and other essential nutrients to ensure proper lymph function.

4. Massage with a dry brush

This massage improves lymph flow. Before taking a shower, massage areas of the body from bottom to top (in the direction of lymph movement) for 5 minutes. Watch the video

5. Drink herbal teas

Many herbs have been used for centuries as medicine. Echinacea, red clover, astragalus, commonweed, etc. are used to fight diseases. But if you are pregnant or taking medication, you should consult your doctor.

6. Wear loose clothing

Wearing tight clothing for long periods of time can slow down the flow of lymph and lead to blockages. Wear comfortable clothes that allow your body to breathe.

Take a contrast shower for 5 minutes, change the water temperature from cold to hot, this is useful for good blood and lymph circulation. Hot water causes blood vessels to expand, while cold water causes them to contract. This therapy is not recommended for pregnant women and people with high blood pressure.

8. Avoid cosmetic products with chemicals

Most creams, deodorants, lotions, perfumes and other popular cosmetic products contain harmful chemicals that travel through the skin into the lymphatic system. Choose organic products that do not contain chemicals or make your own cosmetics at home.

9. Breathe deeply

As simple as it may sound, breathing exercises stimulate lymph flow, which helps prevent the buildup of toxins in the body.

10. Alternative therapy

Acupuncture stimulates blood flow, improves blood circulation, lymph circulation, and helps remove toxins from cells.

For any changes in the condition of the lymph nodes, consult a doctor!

And we will be happy!!

materials from various sources were used.

Lymphatic system – an integral part of the vascular system, which drains tissues through the formation of lymph and conducts 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 the fluid that fills the lymphatic vessels 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 its 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 lymph is 8-10 times less than in blood. 80% of the formed elements of lymph are lymphocytes, and the remaining 20% ​​are other white blood cells. There are normally no red blood cells in lymph.

Functions of the lymphatic system:

Tissue drainage.

Ensuring continuous circulation of fluid 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 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 ensuring lymph movement

Filtration pressure (caused by the filtration of fluid from blood capillaries into the intercellular space).

Constant formation of lymph.

Availability of valves.

Contraction of surrounding skeletal muscles and muscular elements of internal organs (lymphatic vessels are compressed and lymph moves in the direction determined by the valves).

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

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

Lymphatic capillaries– thin-walled vessels, the diameter of which (10-200 microns) exceeds the diameter of blood capillaries (8-10 microns). Lymphatic capillaries are characterized by tortuosity, the presence of narrowings 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 (in the blood capillaries there is a basement membrane outside the endothelium).

Lymphatic 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 lymphatic capillaries and 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 only in one direction.

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

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

1 – segment of the lymphatic vessel with valves.

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

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

Along the path of the lymphatic vessels there are The lymph nodes. This is what causes foreign particles, tumor cells, etc. are retained 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 organs or tissues are lymph nodes that are the first on the path of lymphatic vessels carrying lymph from a given area of ​​the body.

Lymphatic 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 lymphatic trunks in the human body.

Jugular trunk(right and left) is represented by one or several 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 superior 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 drain lymph from the lower limb, walls and organs of the pelvis and abdomen.

A non-permanent intestinal lymphatic trunk occurs in approximately 25% of cases. It is formed from the efferent lymphatic vessels of the mesenteric lymph nodes and 1-3 vessels flow into the initial (abdominal) part of the thoracic duct.

The 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 area of ​​the so-called venous angle, formed by the connection 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 extremity. The right lymphatic duct flows into the right venous angle, which brings lymph from 1/4 of the body: from the right half of the chest, neck, head, and 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 – 1st lumbar vertebrae by the fusion of the right and left lumbar trunks (trunci lumbales dexter et sinister). Sometimes at the beginning 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 push lymph into the thoracic part of the duct. At the level of the VII cervical vertebra, the thoracic duct forms an arc and, going around 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 blood from entering the duct from the vein. 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, is being formed at the fusion of the right subclavian trunk (truncus subclavius ​​dexter), carrying lymph from the right upper limb, the right jugular trunk (truncus jugularis dexter), collecting lymph from the right half of the head and neck, the right bronchomediastinal trunk (truncus bronchomediastinalis dexter), bringing lymph from the right half of the chest. However, more often the right lymphatic duct is absent, and the trunks that form it flow into the right venous angle independently.

Lymph nodes of individual areas of the body.

Head and neck

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

Thus, 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. Lymph flows from the forehead, temple, upper eyelid, auricle, and walls of the external auditory canal into the parotid lymph nodes, located on the surface and in the thickness of the gland of the same name.

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

1 – anterior ear lymph nodes; 2 – posterior ear lymph nodes; 3 – occipital lymph nodes; 4 – lower ear lymph nodes; 5 – buccal lymph nodes; 6 – mental 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 accompany the internal jugular vein in large numbers, and superficial ones lie near the external jugular vein. In these nodes, mainly in the deep cervical nodes, there is an outflow of lymph from almost all 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 in the upper limb: ulnar and axillary. The ulnar nodes lie in the cubital fossa and receive lymph from some of the vessels of the hand and forearm. Through the efferent vessels of these nodes, lymph flows into the axillary nodes. The 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 the depths 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.

Thoracic 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 area of ​​the tracheal bifurcation (tracheobronchial), at the gates 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 (periosternal), etc. Lymph flows from the organs and partially from the walls of the chest cavity into these nodes.

Lower limb

On the lower limb, 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 artery and vein. These nodes receive lymph from part of the lymphatic vessels of the foot and leg. The efferent vessels of the popliteal nodes carry lymph mainly to the inguinal nodes.

Inguinal lymph nodes are divided into superficial and deep. The superficial inguinal nodes lie below the inguinal ligament under the skin of the thigh on top of the fascia, and the 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 into the external iliac nodes, which are related to the pelvic nodes.

In the pelvis, the lymph nodes are located, as a rule, along the blood vessels and have a similar name (Fig. 61). Thus, 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 into 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 blood vessels, including the vessels passing through the hilum of the organs. So, along the abdominal aorta and 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, there are 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 area of ​​the hilum 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. The lumbar lymph nodes also receive lymph from the lower extremities and pelvis. It should be noted that the lymphatic vessels of the small intestine are called lacteal, 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 and cells from foreign agents (foreign bodies), and protecting against 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, having its own network of vessels and organs. The main feature of the lymphatic system is its open structure.

What is the lymphatic system

A complex of specialized vessels, organs, and 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 the large number of valves that allow fluid to disperse in all directions.
2. Nodes are single or organized in groups formations that act as lymph filters. They retain harmful substances and process microbial and viral particles and antibodies through phagocytosis.
3. The central organs are the thymus, spleen, red bone marrow, in which specific immune blood cells - lymphocytes - are formed, mature and “trained”.
4. Separate accumulations of lymphoid tissue are adenoids.

Functions

The human lymphatic system performs a number of important tasks:

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

Structure

The lymphatic system has the following structural elements: lymphatic vessels, nodes and lymph itself. Conventionally, in anatomy, the organs of the lymphatic system include some parts of the immune system, which ensure the constant composition of human lymph and the disposal of harmful substances. According to some studies, the lymphatic system in women has a larger network of vessels, and in men there is an increased number of lymph nodes. We can conclude that the lymphatic system, due to the peculiarities of its structure, helps the functioning of the immune system.

Scheme

The flow of lymph and the structure of the human lymphatic system obey a certain pattern, which provides the lymph with the opportunity to flow from the interstitial space to the nodes. The basic rule of lymph flow is the movement of fluid from the periphery to the center, while passing through filtration in several stages through local nodes. Moving away 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; lymph circulates freely from the interstitial space into the blood. Any blockage of the duct threatens edema or tissue swelling.

Lymph movement

The speed and direction of lymph movement during normal functioning are 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 liquid is collected and moves to a certain group of nodes, filtered, then, purified, it 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 a tool of the immune system.

• Metastases - what they are, at what stage of cancer they appear, symptoms and treatment
• Lymphomyosot - instructions for use, release form, indications for children and adults, side effects and price
• Microcurrents for the face - principle of influence, indications, preparation and implementation, effect with photos and contraindications

Diseases of the lymphatic system

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

• tumors, both malignant and benign;
• long-term compartment 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 and excessive infectious load. Traditional methods of treatment involve various methods of cleaning nodes and blood vessels.

How to cleanse the lymphatic system

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

1. A diet consisting of plenty of clean water, raw vegetables and boiled buckwheat without salt. It is recommended to follow this diet for 5-7 days.
2. Lymphatic drainage massage, which will eliminate lymph stagnation and “stretch” the blood vessels, improving their tone. Use with caution for varicose veins.
3. Taking herbal medicines and herbs. Oak bark and hawthorn fruits will increase lymph flow, and the diuretic effect will help eliminate toxins.

Video

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