Download Understanding the Lymphatic System

Understanding the Lymphatic System – in plain English
The lymphatics system is comprised of a network of vessels, nodes and lymphoid organs. The lymph
vessels form an intricate network that extends over our entire body, and is mainly located just below
the skin and is known as the initial lymphatic.
There are a great many lymph nodes in the body, anywhere between 400 – 700 and while they are
found throughout the body there are key clusters of nodes in the body, particularly around the neck,
armpits, thoracic area and the groin.
Key Lymphoid Organs
Cervical nodes
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Axillary nodes
Spleen
Thymus gland
Peyers Patches
(intestinal tonsils)
Tonsils
Thoracic duct
Cisterna chyli
Inguinal nodes
The lymphatics systems plays a key role in our immune system it does this by contributing to cellular
immunity, filtering and removing toxins, debris and infective agents via the lymph nodes and
removing proteins from interstitial tissue. The lymphatics are a one-way drainage system, interstitial
fluid flows into the lymph vessels and move through the system, approximately 2 – 3 litres of lymph
is filtered through a properly functioning lymphatic each day.
The primary function of lymph nodes is to filter and purify the lymph. The lymph nodes produce
various types of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes destroy harmful substances within the body, and are a
big part of the immune system. The lymph nodes reabsorb about 40% of the liquid content of the
lymph. At this point the remaining lymph is thicker and moves more slowly through the lymphatics
system.
What happens if the lymphatic system is not functioning efficiently?
One of the obvious side-effects of a poorly functioning lymphatic is swelling or lympedemas. This is
generally caused by an excess build up of protein in the interstitial tissues. Proteins tend to attract
water molecules to themselves leading to swelling - this is most common in the extremities. A well
functioning lymphatics aids in removal of these proteins and thus reduces swelling. If the lymph
system is compromised due to surgical removal of lymph nodes swelling can occur in those localised
area.
Poorly functioning immune systems is another key side effect, the lymphatics remove toxins, debris,
waste, bacteria and other infectious matter from our systems. In fact the lymph nodes in our tonsils
play a key role by trapping and removing pathogens (disease bearing organisms) that we inhale or
are in our food. If the lymphatics is compromised or not functioning efficiently this matter is not
removed from the body, or is more slowly removed, we are then more susceptible to catching
infectious disease. This can also result in a general lack of well-being, feeling sluggish and having less
energy.
References
Kasseroller, R., Compendium of Dr. Vodder's Manual Lymph Drainage, Haug, Heidelberg,
1998
Riehl, S. www.realbodywork.com
Brummer, H., "Manual Lymph Drainage used for Scar Healing," University of Ulm
Goddart, S., "Lymphatic regeneration after second degree burn”, Progress in Lymphology,
1975/ Hutzshenreuter, P.O