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This article discusses the composition of lymphatic system, its functions and disorders related to it.
The Lymphatic system
1. A vital part of the immune system, it comprises lymph vessels, lymph nodes and other organs like thymus, bone marrow, spleen, tonsils and appendix.
2. Lymph is a colorless fluid containing white blood cells, proteins, fats, glucose and water. It is formed when the fluid from blood capillaries oozes out and accumulates in spaces between tissues. This fluid nourishes the cells and is further accumulated by the lymphatic capillaries.
3. Lymph vessels function similar to the circulatory system. They are connected to the lymph nodes where the lymph is filtered. The lymph moves through the contraction of skeletal muscles (muscles connected to the skeleton to cause movement of hands and limbs).
4. Lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body. They also enable production of antibodies to protect the body against invaders.
5. Lymph vessels are thin-walled structures that have valves for regulated flow of lymph.
6. Spleen is the largest lymphatic organ located just above the left kidney. It regulates the amount of RBCs in the blood and produces WBCs (that fight infection) along with lymph nodes.
7. Tonsils are a large cluster of lymphatic cells in the throat that serve as a protection against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
8. Thymus is a lymphoid gland situated behind the sternum (breastbone). It is responsible for the development and maturation of T-lymphocytes (type of WBCs responsible for fighting against infections).
9. The primary function of lymphatic system is the movement of lymph which helps to destroy foreign antigens and eliminate toxins and wastes.
10. Diseases of the lymphatic system:
a. Castleman’s disease– abnormal overgrowth of the lymphatic cells
b. Lymphedema – retention of lymph fluid causing swelling in the surrounding areas
c. Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a type of lymphoma i.e. cancer of the WBC cells
d. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – similar to Hodgkin’s lymphoma but differs in the way it develops and spreads in the body.
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