What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is a group of organs, tissues and blood vessels that protect the body from infections and maintain fluid balance.
The organs of the lymphatic system are:
- Bone marrow
- Thymus;
- Lymph nodes;
- The spleen;
- Lymphatic tissue associated with the mucous membrane;
- Lymphatic vessel and others.
Functions of the lymphatic system include:
- Sending excess fluid from body tissues to the circulatory system. In this way, a healthy fluid level is maintained in the body;
- Expelling excess waste and pathological cells from the liquid;
- Helps the body to absorb fat;
- It protects the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi and other types of parasites.
Many diseases leave negative traces and damage the lymphatic system. Some pathologies are formed during pregnancy or childhood, and sometimes appear as a result of disease or trauma.
Common diseases of the lymphatic system are:
- Swelling of lymph nodes;
- Lymphedema;
- Cancer
- Inflammation of lymphatic vessels;
- Lymphangioma;
- Intestinal lymphangiectasia;
- Lymphocytosis;
- Lymphatic filariasis;
- Mesenteric lymphadenitis and others.
To determine how well the lymphatic system is functioning, a computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is provided.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21199-lymphatic-system
