Every year on 15 September, the world celebrates World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD) to raise awareness of lymphoma; a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Despite being a critical player in the human body, the lymphatic system might not be as famous as other body systems. In this article, we dive into the lymphatic system; we explore its vital functions and how we can protect it.
Components of the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system differs from most of the rest of body systems in two distinct points: first, it is part of another system, which is the immune system; second, it does not consist of separate organs in the body only, but also includes a number of components:
- Lymph capillaries: tiny and thin-walled capillaries that tend to be slightly larger than blood capillaries, each group of which forms lymphatic vasculature (or vessels).
- Lymphatic vasculature: very similar to blood vessels, but they collect lymph—a clear, watery fluid that contains protein and some minerals—from tissues and transport it towards the heart. These vessels are characterized by the presence of valves that allow lymph to pass in one direction only, preventing its return.
- Lymph nodes: found throughout the body in specific locations, for example, cervical lymph nodes (neck), axiliry lymph nodes (armpit), femoral lymph nodes (groin), gastric lymph nodes (stomach), and thoracic parietal lymph nodes (chest wall).
- Lymphatic organs include:
- Bone marrow: produces most immune cells.
- Thymus: an organ located behind the sternum (upper chest) near the heart, where T lymphocytes mature and multiply.
- Spleen: a fist-sized organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, and is responsible for filtering blood.
- Tonsils: help trap bacteria and viruses entering the body through the nose and mouth.
- Mucous membranes of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems.
Most Important Functions of the Lymphatic System
Having identified the essential components of the lymphatic system, scattered throughout the body, we now delve deeper to explore how it works and its key functions. While the lymphatic system has several functions, its core role lies in acting as a key player in the immune system by protecting the body from diseases, their causes, and any other potential threats.
As for its work, plasma—a transparent yellow liquid component of blood—travels through the body, it continuously exchanges fluids with surrounding tissues through tiny capillaries. This process allows essential nutrients, hormones, and dissolved gases to move into the tissues, while cellular waste products and carbon dioxide move from the tissues into the plasma. In this way, the plasma takes up waste products and returns them to the bloodstream through the capillaries; while a small amount of plasma remains in the tissues to facilitate the ongoing exchange process.
Here comes the role of the lymphatic system. Small lymphatic capillaries pick up this remaining fluid from the tissues, which has become called lymph instead of plasma, and transport it to larger lymphatic vessels; finally reaching one of two main channels in the upper part of the chest; namely, the right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct. From there, the lymph can re-enter the bloodstream and flow through the body again.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that can affect any part of the lymphatic system and even spread to any part of the body as well. It affects men more than women. While the exact cause of lymphoma is unknown like other types of cancer, there are certain factors that can increase its risk, such as a weakened immune system and some types of infections.
Conclusion
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the immune system and consists of several organs that spread throughout the body. Being a defense line and protection for the human body, early detection is key for many health conditions, including lymphoma. It is important to consult a physician if you notice any concerning symptoms or for any unusual changes, such as lumps or swelling in your lymph nodes under the armpit or in any other part of the body, to get a proper diagnosis.
References
cancer.org
healthdirect.gov.au
khanacademy.org
mayoclinic.org
my.clevelandclinic.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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