Introduction
The lymphatic system (lymphatic system) of the human body is an important component of our immune system (defense system). It consists of the so-called lymphatic organs and a lymph vessel system, which is closely connected to the bloodstream. In addition to the immune system, it also plays an important role in the transport of fluids and dietary fats.
Lymphatic organs
Lymphatic organs are organs that specialize in the differentiation and proliferation of lymphocytes (a subgroup of white blood cells, which are the cellular defense system of our body). In principle, a distinction is made between primary and secondary lymphatic organs. The formation and maturation of lymphocytes takes place in the primary lymphatic organs.
In T-lymphocytes this is the thymus, in B-lymphocytes the bone marrow. Secondary lymphatic organs are those in which the lymphocytes meet their corresponding antigens, whereupon a specific defense reaction develops. Secondary lymphatic organs also include the spleen, the lymph nodes, the tonsils, the appendix appendix and the lymphatic tissue of the small intestine (Peyer’s plaques).
Lymph Vascular System
The lymph vessel system runs through the entire body. It is said that the lymph vessels start “blind” and, unlike the blood system, do not form a circulation. You have to imagine it like this: In humans, the blood vessels are there to transport nutrients to any part of the body, among other things.
To do this, the arteries branch out into the smallest of spaces. These vessels are called capillaries, which eventually become thicker again, where the venous part of the vascular system begins. In the capillary region, the blood plasma including nutrients emerges from the vessels.
90% of the volume is then taken up again by the veins and passed on, 10%, however, remain in the intercellular spaces at first. The remaining 10% of the fluid (normally about 2 liters per day in a healthy person) is absorbed by the lymph capillaries and is called lymph. The lymphatic vessel system is similar in structure to the venous system: the vessels become larger and larger as the disease progresses, contain valves and transport most of the fluid by means of the muscle pump.
They generally run parallel to the veins. Along the lymph vessels there are always lymph nodes, which are usually arranged in small groups. These have a filter function: they check the fluid passing through them for foreign bodies and pathogens and cleanse it of these if necessary.
This task is performed by certain cells, especially lymphocytes and macrophages. The now purified blood continues to flow through the larger lymph vessels (collecting pathways). One structure of particular importance is the Ductus thoracicus (thoracic duct), which carries the lymph of the entire lower half of the body and finally flows into the left vein angle together with the lymph fluid of the upper left half of the body.
The lymph of the upper right half of the body, on the other hand, flows into the right angle of the vein. The term venous angle refers to the point where the internal jugular vein and the subclavian vein meet. It is located at the chest entrance. At this point, the lymph is returned to the blood vessel system.