What function does the lymphatic system not perform? The structure and functions of the human lymphatic system - diseases, composition and cleansing of lymph with folk remedies. Drink herbal teas

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 tissues, and, under 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 present everywhere except the brain and cartilage, sclera and lens of the eye. The diameter of lymphatic capillaries is several times greater than the diameter of blood capillaries. When lymphatic capillaries merge, lymphatic vessels are formed, which are characterized by the presence of valves that ensure lymph flow in one direction. At the locations of the valves, narrowings are formed, and therefore the vessels have a distinct shape. Lymphatic vessels form wide-loop plexuses in the walls of organs. Several groups of efferent lymphatic vessels emerge from an organ or part of the body and travel to nearby regional lymph nodes. Flowing through the lymph node, the lymph is enriched with lymphocytes.

Lymph nodes are involved in the processes and defense reactions of the body. They are active biological filters, produce antibodies and regulate lymph flow. In the lymph nodes, lymph currents from individual organs in the area merge. Lymphatic vessels leaving the lymph nodes form larger vessels - lymphatic trunks (lumbar, intestinal, subclavian, jugular and bronchomediastinal). 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 into the posterior cavity and continues in the neck, emptying 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 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 - mouth of the thoracic duct; 5 - anterior mediastinal lymph nodes; 6 - axillary lymph nodes; 7 - superficial lymphatic vessels of the arm, following the course of the cephalic vein; 8 - medial group of superficial lymphatic vessels of the hand; 9 - lumbar lymph nodes; 10 - superior 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 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 - brachial lymph nodes; 27 - subclavian trunk; 28 - jugular trunk; 29 - deep cervical lymph nodes; 30 - jugular-digastric lymph node; 31 - retroauricular lymph node; 32 - parotid lymph nodes.

The human lymphatic system (LS) is one of the structures that unites disparate organs into a whole. Its smallest branches - capillaries - penetrate most tissues. The biological fluid flowing through the system - lymph - largely determines the vital activity of the body. In ancient times, drugs were considered as one of the main factors determining human temperament. According to many doctors of that time, temperament directly determined both diseases and methods of treating them.

Structure of the lymphatic system

Structural components of the drug:

• lymphatic capillaries and vessels;
• The lymph nodes;
• lymph.

The structure of lymphatic capillaries and vessels

The structure of the drug resembles tree roots, just like the circulatory and nervous systems. Its vessels are located in all organs and tissues, except for the brain and spinal cord and its membranes, internal tissue (parenchyma) of the spleen, inner ear, sclera, lens, cartilage, epithelial tissue and placenta.
Lymph is collected from tissues into blind-ending capillaries. Their diameter is significantly larger than that of the capillaries of the microvasculature. Their walls are thin and highly permeable to liquid and substances dissolved in it, as well as to some cells and microorganisms.
Capillaries drain into lymphatic vessels. These vessels have thin walls equipped with valves. The valves prevent the reverse (retrograde) flow of lymph from the vessels into the tissues. Lymphatic vessels entwine all organs in a wide network. Often such networks in organs are represented by several layers.
Through the vessels, lymph slowly flows into groups of regional lymph nodes. Such groups are located at “busy intersections” of the body: in the armpits, in the elbows, groin, on the mesentery, in the chest cavity, and so on. Large trunks emerging from the lymph nodes flow into the thoracic and right lymphatic ducts. These ducts then open into large veins. Thus, the fluid removed from the tissues enters the bloodstream.

The structure of the lymph node

Lymph nodes are not only the “link” of drugs. They perform important biological functions determined by the peculiarities of their structure.
Lymph nodes consist mainly of lymphoid tissue. It is represented by lymphocytes, plasma cells and reticulocytes. In the lymph nodes, important participants in immune processes—B-lymphocytes—develop and “mature.” Transforming into plasma cells, they mediate humoral immune responses by producing antibodies.
T-lymphocytes are also present deep in the lymph nodes. There they undergo differentiation caused by contact with the antigen. Therefore, lymph nodes participate in the formation of cellular immunity.

Composition of lymph

Lymph refers to human connective tissue. This is a liquid substance containing lymphocytes. It is based on tissue fluid containing water and salts and other substances dissolved in it. Lymph also contains colloidal solutions of proteins, which give it viscosity. This biological fluid is rich in fats. Its composition is close to blood plasma.
The human body contains from 1 to 2 liters of lymph. It flows through the vessels due to the pressure of the newly formed lymphatic fluid and as a result of the contraction of muscle cells in the walls of the lymphatic vessels. An important role in the movement of lymph is played by the contraction of surrounding muscles, as well as the position of the human body and the phases of breathing.

Functions of the lymphatic system

After considering the basic structure of a drug, its various functions become clearer:

• drainage;
• cleansing;
• transport;
• immune;
• homeostatic.

The drainage function of drugs is to remove excess water, as well as proteins, fats and salts from tissues. These substances are then returned to the bloodstream.
The drug removes many metabolic products and toxins from tissues, as well as many pathogenic microorganisms that have entered the body. Lymph nodes play a barrier role: unique filters for fluid flowing from tissues. Lymph cleanses tissues of cell breakdown products and microbes.
The drug transports immune cells throughout the body. It is involved in the transport of certain enzymes, such as lipases and other important substances. Unfortunately, metastasis of malignant neoplasms is also associated with the performance of drug transport functions.
Lymph nodes are the most important participants in immune processes, ensuring the development of T- and B-lymphocytes. In this regard, mention should be made of small lymph nodes located in the intestinal wall (Peyer's patches) and areas of lymphoid tissue in the tonsils of the pharyngeal ring.
Participating in all of the listed processes, the drug performs its integrating, homeostatic function, ensuring the unchanged internal environment of the body.

Briefly about the lymphatic system

In order to understand what lymph is, it is necessary to understand the lymphatic system, which is understood as a set of lymphatic pathways (lymphocapillaries, vessels, trunks and large ducts) and lymph nodes. They absorb fluid flowing from organs and various parts of the body.

This system ensures the formation and transportation of lymphatic fluid into the venous system. Performs filtration and protective functions, has a direct effect on the formation of lymphocytes and homeostasis. The lymphatic pathways themselves complement the venous bed in their structure and functions. The peculiarity of their structure suggests the possibility of atypical cells and infectious agents entering the lymphatic system.

What is lymph

Lymph is a specific fluid that circulates in the intercellular space, lymph vessels and capillaries. It has a similar chemical composition to blood plasma, cerebrospinal and interstitial fluids. It contains lymphoplasm with a small content of proteins and formed elements, which are represented by lymphocytes.

Lymphocrit is the ratio of the volume of all lymphocytes to the total volume of the liquid part, while in peripheral lymph it is no more than 1-2%, which indicates a low cell content relative to blood.

It is quite difficult to determine the total volume of lymphatic fluid that circulates in the human body, however, experimental studies have shown that its average content varies from 1.5 to 2 liters.

Kinds

Lymph is divided into:

1. Central. It is located in the large thoracic duct, before it enters the vein bed.
2. Intermediate. Filtered in one or more lymph nodes.
3. Peripheral. Before entering any lymph node.

The liquid part of the lymph system has the following properties: specific gravity ranges from 1.011 to 1.022, acid-base balance is alkaline (8.3-9.1), ionic pressure is close to that in blood plasma. Oncotic, on the contrary, is lower due to the low content of albumin, and lymph also has low viscosity.

Composition and color of lymphoplasm

When answering the question of what is contained in lymph, it is important to know that its composition in one vessel may be slightly different from the composition in another. For example, the fluid that drains through the lymph vessels from the intestines contains a high concentration of fats (up to 35-40 g per liter), from the hepatobiliary system - more carbohydrates (up to 1.4 g/l) and protein structures (up to 65 g/l) . The variability of the lymphatic composition depends on two reasons: the contents of the liquid part of the blood and the nature of tissue metabolism.

The electrolyte composition of lymph is as follows:

• The sodium concentration is in the range of 114-138 mmol per liter.
• Potassium ions are contained in a concentration of 3.5-5.9 mmol/l.
• Calcium is 2-3.2 mmol per liter.
• Magnesium levels range from 0.5 to 1.6 mmol/L.
• Chlorine – 91.0-140.3 mmol per liter.

Lymphoplasm also contains a different concentration of protein fractions from blood:

• Albumin - from 14.9 to 42.0 grams per liter.
• The concentration of globulins ranges from 9.8 to 16.0 g/l (of which alpha-1 globulins - from 3 to 9%, alpha-2 - 5-11%).
• The fibrinogen content is in the range of 1.4 - 4.5 g per liter.
• Prothrombin (blood coagulation factor) – 31.0 – 78.0%.
• Total protein – 24.0 – 54.9 g/l.

As stated earlier, lymph cells are mainly represented by lymphocytes and monocytes, the number of which varies throughout the day.

There are very few granular cells in the lymphatic fluid, and normally there are no red blood cells at all. In the case of inflammation or other pathological factors, the permeability of the vascular wall may increase. And then the red blood cells will also sweat into the lymph vessels, giving their contents a red color.

The cellular formula of lymph is represented by the following shaped elements:

• Lymphocytes – about 85-90%.
• Monocytes – up to 5%.
• Neutrophils – 0.5-1%.
• Eosinophilic cells – from 1 to 2%.
• The rest are about 2%.

Having a certain amount of platelets, prothrombin and fibrinogen, lymphoplasm has the ability to coagulate and form clots. Normal coagulation time takes 11-15 minutes.

In order to understand what lymph looks like, it is enough to remember that sometimes a clear, colorless liquid flows from small wounds. This is the contents of the lymph vessels, which is popularly called ichor. However, its color can change: with a high content of fat and fatty acids, it becomes white; when red blood cells enter it, it becomes bright red; in the case of inflammation or pus, the color becomes dirty yellow.

Functions of lymphoplasm

The functions of lymph in the human body are as follows:

1. Takes part in maintaining homeostasis and influences the volume and composition of intercellular fluid.
2. Returns electrolytes, water and protein structures back into the bloodstream.
3. Affects the redistribution of fluid throughout the body, thereby preventing the development of external and internal edema.
4. Absorbs and transports emulsified fats from the small intestine into the blood vessels.
5. Absorbs and filters waste products of normal cells and microorganisms.
6. It is a liquid medium that transports lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells (precursors of antibodies) to secondary lymphoid organs (lymph nodes, spleen, etc.), indirectly performing a protective function.
7. Provides neuroendocrine communication between various tissues and internal organs, the lymphatic system and blood.
8. Promotes the spread of infectious pathogens if they enter the body and malignant cells, which subsequently settle and form daughter tumors - metastases.

Formation and flow of lymphoplasma

Lymphatic plasma is formed due to the penetration of interstitial fluid into the lymphocapillaries through active and passive transport (everyone knows that any fluid moves towards high hydrostatic pressure).

In order to understand how lymph flows in the human body, it is necessary to know the structure of lymphocapillaries and the structures adjacent to them.
Capillaries, which have three walls, are located next to veins, which have a large number of valves. Thus, with the help of the opening and closing of valves in the veins, the movement of the liquid part in the capillaries occurs, this process is also influenced by the contraction of nearby muscles and the suction ability of the chest during inhalations, also occurs with a change in the composition and quality of the lymphatic fluid.
There are no specific tests to diagnose lymphoplasma. For diseases of the lymphatic system, computed tomography and, occasionally, scintigraphy are used. Only when non-transparent lymph flows out of the wound can it be sent for bacteriological examination to exclude infection.

Lymph in humans performs a significant number of important functions: it drains organs and tissues, returns necessary proteins to the bloodstream, affects the constancy of the internal environment, but at the same time it is a “carrier” of bacteria, viruses and tumor cells. It contains cells of the immune system - lymphocytes; it differs from blood plasma not only in the concentration of proteins and electrolytes, but also in the acid-base balance, specific density and viscosity.

If we talk about the work of the body and in particular about the fluids that flow in the body, then not many people immediately name lymph.

However, lymph has great value for the body and has very significant functions that allow the body to function normally.

What is the lymphatic system?

Many people know about the body's need for blood circulation and the functioning of other systems, but not many know about the high importance of the lymphatic system. If lymph does not circulate throughout the body for just a couple of hours, then such an organism can no longer function.

Thus, every human body experiences continuous need in the functioning of the lymphatic system.

It is easiest to compare the lymphatic system with the circulatory system and distinguish the following differences:

1. Openness, unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system is open, that is, there is no circulation as such.
2. Unidirectionality, if the circulatory system provides movement in two directions, then the lymph moves in the direction only from the peripheral to the central parts of the system, that is, the liquid first collects in the smallest capillaries and then moves into larger vessels, and the movement occurs only in this direction.
3. There is no central pump. In order to ensure the movement of fluid in the desired direction, only a valve system is used.
4. More slow motion fluids compared to the circulatory system.
5. The presence of special anatomical elements– lymph nodes, which perform a significant function and are a kind of warehouse for lymphocytes.

The lymphatic vascular system is of greatest importance for metabolism and providing immunity. It is in the lymph nodes that the bulk of foreign elements that enter the body are processed.

If there is any virus in the body, then it is in the lymph nodes that work begins to study and displace this virus from the body.

You yourself can notice this activity when you have signs that indicate the body's fight against the virus. In addition, lymph regularly cleanses the body and removes unnecessary elements from the body.

Learn more about the lymphatic system from the video:

Functions

If we talk in more detail about the functions, we should note the connection between the lymphatic system and the cardiovascular system. It is thanks to lymph that the delivery of various items, which cannot immediately end up in the cardiovascular system:

• proteins;
• fluid from tissue and intertissue space;
• fats that come mainly from the small intestine.

These elements are transported to the venous bed and thus end up in the circulatory system. These components can then be removed from the body.

At the same time, many inclusions unnecessary for the body are processed at the lymph stage, in particular we are talking about viruses and infections that are neutralized by lymphocytes and destroyed in the lymph nodes.

It should be noted the special function of lymphatic capillaries, which are larger in size compared to the capillaries of the circulatory system and have thinner walls. Thanks to this, from the interstitial space into the lymph proteins and other components may be supplied.

Additionally, the lymphatic system can be used to cleanse the body, since the intensity of lymph flow largely depends on the compression of blood vessels and muscle tension.

Thus, massage and physical activity can make the movement of lymph more effective. Thanks to this, additional cleansing and healing of the body becomes possible.

Peculiarities

Actually, the word “lymph” comes from the Latin “lympha”, which translates as moisture or clean water. Just from this name it is possible to understand a lot about the structure of lymph, which washes and cleanses the entire body.

Many could observe lymph, since this liquid secreted on the surface when there are wounds on the skin. Unlike blood, the liquid is almost completely transparent.

According to the anatomical structure, lymph belongs to connective tissue and contains a large number of lymphocytes in the complete absence of red blood cells and platelets.

In addition, lymph, as a rule, contains various waste products of the body. In particular, the previously noted large protein molecules that cannot be absorbed into the venous vessels.

Such molecules are often may be viruses Therefore, the lymphatic system is used to absorb such proteins.

Lymph may contain various hormones that are produced by endocrine glands. Fats and some other nutrients come here from the intestines, and protein from the liver.

Direction of lymph movement

The figure below shows a diagram of the movement of lymph in the human lymphatic system. It does not display every lymphatic vessel and the entire lymph nodes, which about five hundred in the human body.

Pay attention to the direction of movement. Lymph moves from the periphery to the center and from bottom to top. The liquid flows from small capillaries, which further connect into larger vessels.

The movement occurs through the lymph nodes, which contain a huge number of lymphocytes and cleanse the lymph.

Typically to the lymph nodes more vessels come in than leave, that is, lymph enters through many channels and leaves through one or two. Thus, the movement continues to the so-called lymphatic trunks, which are the largest lymphatic vessels.

The largest is the thoracic duct, which is located near the aorta and passes through itself lymph from:

• all organs that are located below the ribs;
• the left side of the chest and the left side of the head;
• left hand.

This duct connects to left subclavian vein, which you can see marked in blue in the picture on the left side. This is where lymph flows from the thoracic duct.

It should also be noted right duct, which collects fluid from the right upper side of the body, in particular from the chest and head, arms.

From here the lymph enters right subclavian vein, which is located symmetrically to the left in the figure. Additionally, it should be noted such large vessels that belong to the lymphatic system as:

1. right and left jugular trunks;
2. left and right subclavian trunks.

It should be said about the frequent location of lymphatic vessels along blood vessels, in particular venous vessels. If you pay attention to the picture, you will see some similar arrangement of vessels of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

The lymphatic system has great importance for the human body.

Many doctors consider a lymph analysis to be no less relevant than a blood test, since lymph can indicate some factors that are not detected in other tests.

In general, lymph, in combination with blood and intercellular fluid, constitutes the internal fluid environment in the human body.

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.

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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.