Lymph

Lymphatic drainage massage is a form of gentle massage that encourages the drainage of lymph nodes and movement of lymph fluids around the body. It can help relieve lymphedema. The fluid in the In this article, we discuss the benefits of lymphatic massage, who may find it useful, and how a person can prepare for and perform it at home. Lymphatic massage, sometimes called manual lymphatic drainage, is a Lymphatic massage aims to improve the flow of lymph fluid, which should reduce swelling. Massaging an area without swelling will make space for fluid to flow to those parts from more congested areas. There are two types of lymphatic drainage: manual and simple. Manual lymphatic drainage is done by a qualified therapist, whereas simple lymphatic drainage is a technique a person can use at home. Anyone planning on learning simple lymphatic drainage should learn how to do it from a specialist. It is essential to know which area to massage and how much pressure to use. The lymphatic system plays a key role in the body’s immune defenses. Lymphatic fluid Like blood in the circulatory system, lymphatic fluid is always moving. If it stops, swelling can occur, as lymph fluid builds up, often in the arms or legs. Health experts call this lymphedema. Lymphatic massage usually forms part of a treatment program health experts call decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT). DLT for lymphedema • lymphatic drainage massage • compression garments • exercise • skin care Together, these can improve...

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell, which are part of the body’s Too many lymphocytes in the blood is called lymphocytosis. The most common cause of excessive lymphocytes is an infection, but lymphocyte levels can also rise if there are other conditions, such as Too few lymphocytes is called lymphocytopenia or lymphopenia. Although a Lymphocytes develop in the bone marrow, the soft spongy tissue inside bones, and in the thymus. The thymus is a small organ behind the breast bone, just above the heart. Treatment for high or low levels of lymphocytes in the blood depends on the cause. Promptly treating infections will help prevent serious complications. Treatment of lymphoma and other types of If a blood test shows your lymphocyte level is out of the normal range, your healthcare professional will discuss next steps with you, which may include additional tests to determine an underlying cause and, if necessary, guide treatment. There are three types of lymphocytes. The two main types are B cells and T cells. The third is the NK, or natural killer cell. This is a brief explanation of their function: • B cell lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow. They make antibodies against foreign antigens like bacteria. • T cell lymphocytes are either helper cells or killer cells. The helper T cells help the B cells make antibodies. Killer T cells directly kill antigens, usually viruses. T cells may also kill cancer cells. • NK cells kill antigens, particular cancer cells. The...

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and ducts that pass through almost all bodily tissues. It allows the circulation of a fluid called lymph through the body in a similar way to blood. It plays a key role in fighting disease. The lymphatic system is essential for fluid balance, absorption of fatty acids in the stomach, and immune system regulation. This article details the lymphatic system, its role in the body, and what conditions can impair its function. Share on Pinterest Sahacha Nilkumhang/Getty Images The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and ducts that collect and circulate excess fluid in the body. There are The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It also maintains fluid balance and plays a role in absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients. The lymph system has Fluid balance The lymphatic system returns excess fluid and proteins from the tissues that cannot return through the blood vessels. The fluid often collects in the tiny spaces surrounding cells, known as the interstitial spaces. Small lymph capillaries connect these spaces to the lymphatic system. A disruption of fluid processing Absorption The lymphatic system plays a Part of the gut membrane in the small intestine contains tiny finger-like protrusions called villi. Each villus contains tiny lymph capillaries, known as lacteals. These absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins to form a milky white fluid called chyle. This fluid contains lymph and emulsified fats, or free ...

Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/MNPhotoStudios / Getty Images How Does the Lymphatic System Work? The lymphatic system includes tissues, vessels, and organs that move fluid throughout the body and fight infection. When excess plasma (the liquid portion of blood) collects in your body’s tissues, the lymphatic system collects it and moves it back into your bloodstream. You have about 600 lymph nodes in your body. Lymphatic vessels connect this network of lymph nodes. Through Lymphatic Vessels to Collecting Ducts Once the lymph passes through the lymph nodes, it continues through the lymphatic vessels until it reaches the collecting ducts. There, it empties before returning the filtered lymph to your bloodstream. • Spleen: This organ sits in the left upper corner of the abdomen. The spleen stores immune cells and platelets and break down red blood cells. • Tonsils: These are located in the throat. They stop germs from entering the body through the mouth and nose. They also use white blood cells to fight infection. • Lymph nodes: These bean-shaped glands are located throughout the body, including the armpits, groin, and neck. They filter lymph and create antibodies. • Mucous membranes: These are located through your respiratory and digestive systems. The membranes in your bowel wall, appendix, respiratory and urinary tracts, and vagina fight off foreign substances and infections. • Lymphadenopathy: This is the medical term for swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes, themselves, can become infe...

Lymphocytosis (lim-foe-sie-TOE-sis), or a high lymphocyte count, is an increase in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes help fight off diseases, so it's normal to see a temporary increase after an infection. A count significantly higher than 3,000 lymphocytes in a microliter of blood is generally considered to be lymphocytosis in adults. In children, the threshold for lymphocytosis varies with age. It can be as high as 9,000 lymphocytes per microliter. The exact thresholds for lymphocytosis can vary slightly from one lab to another. • Bain BJ, et al., eds. Approach to the diagnosis and classification of blood cell disorders. In: Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology. 12th ed. London, Eng: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 20, 2019. • Davids MS. Approach to the adult with lymphocytosis or lymphocytopenia. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 20, 2019. • AskMayoExpert. Lymphocytosis. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2019. • Coates TD. Approach to the child with lymphocytosis or lymphocytopenia. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 20, 2019. • Kaushansky K, et al., eds. Lymphocytosis and lymphocytopenia. In: Williams Hematology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2016. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed June 20, 2019.

• The lymphatic system is commonly divided into the primary lymphoid organs, which are the sites of B and T cell maturation, and the secondary lymphoid organs, in which further differentiation of • Primary lymphoid organs include the • In humans the thymus and bone marrow are the key players in immune function. • All lymphocytes derive from • Mature B and T cells exit the primary lymphoid organs and are transported via the bloodstream to the secondary lymphoid organs, where they become activated by contact with foreign materials, or antigens. The Human Body Lymphoid organs The lymphatic system is commonly divided into the primary lymphoid organs, which are the sites of B and T cell maturation, and the secondary lymphoid organs, in which further differentiation of lymphocytes occurs. Primary lymphoid organs include the Thymus The thymus is located just behind the Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. In the cortex of the thymus, developing T cells, called thymocytes, come to distinguish between the body’s own components, referred to as “self,” and those substances foreign to the body, called “nonself.” This occurs when the thymocytes undergo a process called positive selection, in which they are exposed to self molecules that belong to the Positive and negative selection destroy a great number of thymocytes; only about 5 to 10 percent survive to exit the thymus. Those that survive leave the thymus through specialized passages called eff...

Lymphopenia is having a lower-than-normal level of lymphocytes in your blood. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that protect you from infection. Having too few of them can increase your chances of getting sick. You may or may not need treatment depending on your symptoms and what’s causing your lymphopenia. Overview What is lymphopenia? Lymphopenia is a condition when there are too few These white blood cells help your body fight germs that can make you sick, including viruses, Lymphocytes can be broken down into three types: • T lymphocytes ( • B lymphocytes ( • Natural killer cells (NK cells). Low lymphocytes — or lymphopenia — may make you more susceptible to infections and other conditions. Lymphopenia is also called lymphocytopenia and lymphocytic leukopenia. Leukopenia means having a What are normal lymphocyte levels? What’s considered a normal lymphocyte level differs for adults and children. • In adults, the normal range is between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes per microliter of blood. Lymphopenia involves having less than 1,000 lymphocytes per microliter of blood. • In children, the normal range is between 3,000 and 9,500 lymphocytes per microliter of blood. Low levels (or lymphopenia) depend on your child’s age. Children under 2 years old have lymphopenia if they have less than 3,000 lymphocytes per microliter of blood. Symptoms and Causes What are the symptoms of lymphopenia? Lymphopenia alone doesn’t cause symptoms. Instead, conditions associated with lymphopenia...

Milroy disease, caused by a genetic mutation, results in small or absent lymphatic vessels. This interferes with the transportation of fluid away from the tissues. As such, lymphedema (swelling), particularly in the legs and feet, can develop. Individuals affected with this disorder are also at increased risk of cellulitis, a type of skin infection. Blood capillaries are responsible for most nutrient absorption. However, specialized lymphatic capillaries, called lacteals, absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K). Once absorbed, the fats and vitamins make their way through the lymphatic system and are delivered to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes contain immune cells such as lymphocytes. When a microorganism is detected in the lymph, lymphocytes multiply and travel to the infection site to help destroy the invading agent. This activation of lymphocytes is responsible for the swollen lymph nodes you may experience during an illness. • Cleveland Clinic. • National Cancer Institute. • MedlinePlus. • Lymphangiomatosis & Gorham's Disease Alliance. • National Cancer Institute. • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • Moore JE Jr, Bertram CD. Annu Rev Fluid Mech. 2018;50:459-482. doi:10.1146/annurev-fluid-122316-045259 • Munn LL, Padera TP. Microvasc Res. 2014;96:55-63. doi:10.1016/j.mvr.2014.06.006