The lymphatic system is a large network of vessels, accumulations of lymphatic tissue (lymph nodes) and lymphatic organs that actively participate in the defense mechanisms that protect us from germs and other dangerous foreign elements in the external environment.
This system is comprised of diffuse lymphatic tissue, lymph nodes, lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus.
The various lymphatic organs and lymphatic tissues are often grouped collectively into what is known as the immune system.
In addition to knowing what the lymphatic system is, we must take into account its alterations, whether they are a result of an infection or injury.
HOW THE LYMPH SYSTEM WORKS
The lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating toxins and maintaining basic protein concentrations in the interstitial fluid; It functions by acting as an accessory structure so that the flow of fluids from tissue spaces is reabsorbed and passes into the blood circulation.
This system is called an alternate pathway by which fluids from the interstitial spaces can return to the blood.
ANATOMY OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue
Lymph nodes are small, pea-sized organs located in groups at the confluence of lymphatic vessels. Each node is attached to incoming and outgoing lymphatic vessels. The accessing line extends throughout the lymph node, where it runs through the accumulations of lymphocytes and macrophages.
thymus
It is located in the upper part of the chest, between the heart and the sternum. Lymphocytes, which are produced in the lymph nodes and bone marrow, mature as they are propelled from the outer cortex of the thymus to its central part (medulla) and from there to the circulation. Time also secretes hormones that regulate the production and function of T cells.
spleen
Lymphoid organ, it is located under the ninth, tenth and eleventh ribs on the left side, near the place where the pancreas ends. It has an abundant network of blood capillaries and sinusoids.
Lymphoid tissue associated with mucosa.
In the walls that cover the respiratory system as well as the urogenital and digestive tracts there are masses of lymphoid tissue. This tissue contains type B and T lymphocytes, they perform the same protective function that lymph nodes perform in body cavities exposed to the environment.
TOP WELL-BEING AND HEALTH
DISEASES OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The most common diseases or pathologies of the lymphatic system are:
The presence of lymphadenopathy: (swelling of the nodes).
Lymphangitis: occurs in cases when there is inflammation or inflammation of the lymphatic vessels due to an infection.
Lymphodynamic edema: known as an increase in lymphatic load due to circulatory disorders (cardiac, renal, premenstrual, trauma, burns).
Lymphostatic edema or lymphedema: It is the increase in protein and interstitial fluid; lymphatic failure.
Lipidema: fatty legs syndrome (ankle, legs and hip).
Myxedema: accumulation of mucopolysaccharides and interstitial special proteins.
Lymph node tumors.
Burkitt lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE?
Lymphatic drainage consists of a manual therapy or technique through soft, slow and repetitive movements in order to promote the circulation of lymph, to provide or impart improvement in those cases where an alteration occurs with the same system as those that have already been mentioned above.
BENEFITS OF LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
WHAT IS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE?
This is a technique that although its manipulations seem like gentle caresses on the skin, in reality it is pushing tangentially between the skin to the limit of its elasticity, without rubbing or slipping on it.
The skin thrusts are basically done in the direction and direction of the drainage of the different lymphatic quadrants; This is usually where the regional lymph nodes are located.
To perform a lymphatic drainage massage, it is important to know the location of the different lymphatic divisions that frame and limit the different lymphatic quadrants, as well as the location of the superficial regional lymph nodes, through which the lymph passes to deeper drainage pathways.
