Lymphatic System

- a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted
materials
- helps to protect us from infection and disease. Its part of the bodys immune system.
Facts/Trivia
There are approximately 500-700 lymph nodes in an adult human.
The largest organ within the lymphatic system is the spleen.
On average, at any time about 1 to 2 liters of lymph fluid circulate in the lymphatics and body
tissue
Medications and vaccines can cause the nodes to swell up
Lymph never stops moving from node to node

Functions
To remove interstitial fluid from tissues
To transport interstitial fluid originally from blood filtrate back to the blood
It absorbs and transports fatty acids and fats as chyle from the digestive system
It transports white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes into the bones

Parts
Adenoid

Although it is often called the adenoids, there is only one adenoid. It is a single, small mass of
lymphatic tissue in the back of the nose that contains lymphocytes. It is also sometimes called the
pharyngeal tonsil.
The adenoid helps the body fight infection by trapping bacteria and viruses.
The adenoid is present in infants and children. It starts to shrink just before puberty so that most
adults dont have the adenoid.
Tonsil

The tonsils are small masses of lymphatic tissue that contain lymphocytes. The palantine tonsils are
in the back of the mouth. We also have another pair of tonsils on the base of the tongue called the
lingual tonsils.
The tonsils help the body fight infection by trapping bacteria and viruses. They also make antibodies.
Thymus

The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone, or sternum. It is where T cells mature and multiply.

Lymph Node

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs that sit along lymph vessels and filter lymph fluid.
Lymph nodes vary in size, but they are usually less than 1 cm. (They can be up to 1.5 cm in size in
the groin.)
There are many lymph nodes throughout the body. The number of lymph nodes varies from one part
of the body to another. Lymph nodes are located in groups in the following major locations:

neck (called cervical lymph nodes)

chest (called thoracic and mediastinal lymph nodes)
armpit (called axillary nodes)
abdomen (called para-aortic, peri-aortic and mesenteric lymph nodes)
groin (called inguinal lymph nodes)
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NS102 | WF | 3:00-4:30
 The lymph nodes filter harmful particles from the lymph fluid before returning it to the bloodstream.
These particles include bacteria, viruses and foreign substances. The other main function of the
lymph nodes is to activate the immune system.
Lymph nodes contain 2 types of white blood cells that fight invading micro-organisms. Lymphocytes
attack viruses, bacteria and other micro-organisms. Macrophages surround and destroy foreign
substances, damaged cells and bits of broken cells.

Lymph Vessel

Lymph fluid travels through the body in lymph vessels. There are 3 main types of lymph vessels.
Lymphatic capillaries are tiny, closed-ended tubes through which fluid from body tissues enters the
lymphatic system. Lymphatic vessels are tubes that move lymph fluid to and from the lymph nodes.
Collecting ducts are tubes that return lymph fluid to the bloodstream.

Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is soft, spongy tissue in the centre of most bones. It contains immature cells called
stem cells. These stem cells develop into red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. Red blood
cells carry oxygen to and carbon dioxide from tissues in the body. White blood cells help the body
fight infection and diseases. Platelets help blood to clot.
Spleen

The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ. It is in the upper-left abdomen. The spleen filters the blood
by removing old red blood cells, lymphocytes and invaders (such as viruses and bacteria). The
spleen also stores red blood cells and lymphocytes.

LYMPHOID LEUKEMIA
- a cancer of the blood and bone marrow when abnormal cells in a part of the body begin to grow
out of control
CAUSES TREATMENT PREVENTION
Radiation Exposure Chemotherapy (1) Avoid the
Chemical exposure (hair dyes, benzene, chemotherapy Bone marrow risk factors
drugs) transplant
Viral Infections Stem cell
Race & Gender - usually, African-American transplant
Other risk factors- including cigarette smoking, long exposure
to diesel fuel, pesticides, and electromagnetic field

Lymphoma
abnormal growth of cell in the lymph nodes
RISK FACTORS TREATMENT PREVENTION
Age older than 60 Chemotheraphy Avoid the risk
Weak immune system Radiotheraphy factors
Family history Bone Marrow Transplant
Infections (HIV/Epstein Barr, Hepatitis C) Stem Cell Transplant
Radiation

Charmaine S. de Guzman | Christine Joy R. Diala

NS102 | WF | 3:00-4:30
 LYMPHEDEMA
- lymphatic fluid cannot filter & move through the lymph nodes causing clogged
- long term condition where excess fluid (lymph) collects in tissues causing swelling (edema)
TWO MAIN TYPES
(1) Primary- congenial lymphedema
(2) Secondary- occurs as a result of something else (see list of possible causes)

CAUSES TREATMENT PREVENTION

Cancer surgery- removal of
lymph nodes to stop the
spread of cancer
Radiotherapy- use of radiation
to destroy cancerous tissues
may damage nearby healthy
tissues such as the lymphatic
system
Infections- it may be viral,
fungal, bacterial, or parasite)
Inflammatory conditions-
permanent damage to
lymphatic system from
various inflammatory
condition (rheumatoid
arthritis, dermatitis, &
eczema)
Cardiovascular disease-
disease that affect the blood
flow
Remedial exercise- light After cancer treatment, avoid heavy
only to encourage activity with the affected limb; rest
movement of the it while recovering.
lymph fluid out of the Avoid sun beds, steam rooms, and
limb saunas.
Skincare - to reduce Do not take very hot baths or
skin infection showers.
Manual Lymphatic Do not wear tight fitting clothes.
Drainage- special Do not wear tight fitting jewelry.
massage, also to Don't go barefoot outdoors.
encourage movement Keep a watch for changes or breaks
of lymph fluid out of in the skin.
the limb Keep your skin supple by
Multilayer lymphedema moisturizing it every day.
bandaging- support Make sure footwear fits properly.
the muscles and To prevent developing athlete's foot,
encourage them to use an anti-fungal foot powder.
move the lymph fluid Use gloves when gardening.
out of the limb

Charmaine S. de Guzman | Christine Joy R. Diala

NS102 | WF | 3:00-4:30
 LYMPHADENOPATHY
enlargement of the lymph nodes
CAUSES* TREATMENT PREVENTION
Inflammatory condition- inflammation of Treatment Exercise
neighboring organ or body structure or the depends upon Herbal remedies
lymph node itself or lymph vessel particular Enhanced nutrition
Infection - viral, bacterial, fungal condition Drink plenty amount of
Cancer- cancer of the node or blood cell causing the water
within the node enlargement. Lymphatic massage
Immune disorder Proper breathing

*Actually the cause or causes are unknown but there are

identified risk factors

Charmaine S. de Guzman | Christine Joy R. Diala

NS102 | WF | 3:00-4:30