The Lymphatic system – do you know what it is?
I’ll tell you this: in all my years at a desk with a teacher standing in front of me, I never once heard the term “lymphatic system”.
So when researching basic anatomy, I came across this really weird name for a very important function.
In this article series, I’m going to go into the basics of human anatomy. The goal is to teach everyone general information about things they might have missed in school or might never have been taught in the first place.
None of these articles will go deeply into any specific topic but I encourage you to let your curiosity drive you and look up more in-depth into all of this!
Alright, alright, don’t let me stall you anymore: let’s get into it!
An Intro Into Our Topic On The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is special – it’s kind of like the human body’s garbage disposal and its defense system.
It’s a complex network of vessels, organs, and tissues that work together to transport what’s known as “lymph”, a fluid containing white blood cells, throughout the body.
In addition to filtering out foreign substances like bacteria and viruses, the lymphatic system also helps remove excess fluid and waste from tissues, preventing swelling and inflammation. The lymphatic vessels play a crucial role in this process, as they transport lymph to lymph nodes, where immune cells trap and destroy any harmful substances.
The lymphatic system partners with the circulatory system in a lot of ways. the vessels for blood and the lymphatic vessels are interwoven throughout the body, allowing nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to cells while waste products and excess fluids are removed simultaneously.
Man! We are so complex!
Then we’ve got two organs – both essential – that belong in this system as well:
The spleen acts as a filter for blood and helps remove old or damaged blood cells from circulation.
The thymus is a small gland that produces T-cells, which fight infections for us like our own little army.
Now enough for the overview, let’s get into some explanation of the different functions!
Lymphatic Vessels
Let’s dive right into this one:
Firstly, lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a clear and colorless fluid, from the tissues and organs to the lymph nodes. This lymph contains white blood cells, which help fight against infections, viruses, and other harmful substances that may enter our body. The lymphatic vessels act as a transport system that delivers the lymph to the lymph nodes, where the lymph is filtered.
The lymph nodes themselves act as filters, working together with the lymphatic vessels to remove foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses from the lymph. They contain specialized immune cells that identify and destroy any unwanted substances, protecting us from infections and diseases.
So then once the lymph has been purified, the lymphatic vessels carry it back into the bloodstream. Then the purified lymph to circulate throughout the whole body, providing immunity and support against harmful pathogens – which is a fancy way of saying “anything akin to viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa“.
Going bac to lymphatic vessels for a second: they’re also crucial in maintaining fluid balance in our body, which is important for the proper functioning of our organs.
They work together with the circulatory system to ensure that our body’s immune response is efficient and effective.
The Roles of the Spleen, Thymus, and Tonsils
This could be a long section, but for the sake of keeping this about basic anatomical functions I’ll keep it brief:
The Spleen: filters blood as it passes through it, removing old or damaged red blood cells. It acts as a defense mechanism against infections by removing unwanted and potentially harmful substances from the bloodstream. It also has the means to produce white blood cells, which help fight infections and maintain overall immunity.
The Thymus: produces “T-cells” – a type of white blood cell that helps fight against infections and diseases. These cells usually play a significant role in responding to immune problems.
The tonsils: are those teeth in the back of the throat. Strangely enough, these teeth also help our immune systems. They act as a kind of filter, trapping and removing harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses, that we may inhale through our nose or mouth.
Let’s Understand What It Looks Like To Have A Poor Lymphatic System
When the lymphatic system is not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of health problems. One of the most common issues is lymphedema, which is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues, resulting in swelling, discomfort, and potential complications if left untreated.
In addition to lymphedema, a malfunctioning lymphatic system can also increase the risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This type of cancer can develop in any part of the lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow.
To better understand the impact of a malfunctioning lymphatic system, let’s take a closer look using some transition words. Firstly, when the lymphatic system malfunctions, it can lead to a range of health problems. These problems can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the malfunction.
Secondly, lymphedema, a common issue arising from a malfunctioning lymphatic system, can cause discomfort, swelling, and complications if left untreated. Thirdly, a malfunctioning lymphatic system can increase the risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
Maintaining A Healthy System
Guys, it is so incredibly important to maintain our body’s health.
There are several ways to maintain a healthy lymphatic system:
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to keep the lymphatic system functioning properly.
Regular physical activity helps to stimulate the flow of lymph through the vessels, which in turn helps to remove toxins and other harmful substances from the body.
Drinking plenty of water is also important, as dehydration can slow down the lymphatic system.
And just eat right. It might not be as hard to start as you think. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables can provide the body with the nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy immune system and lymphatic function.