Definition
The lymphatic system is a circulatory system that is closely related to the blood circulation system. The main purpose of the lymphatic system is to transport water like fluid known as lymph. The lymphatic system is consisted of organs, nodes, and ducts that are all involved in the circulation process. The fluid that is transported by this system is responsible for distributing immune cells all over the body. Due to the anatomy of the lymphatic system, it is sometimes thought to be part of the main circulatory system in the body.
Functions
The lymphatic system performs various functions in the body. Most of these are closely connected to the body’s defence mechanism. For a start, it is responsible for balancing the amount of fluids and proteins in the circulatory system. When the blood is circulating in the body, about ten percent of the fluid in it is lost. This loss of fluid could be fatal if the lymphatic system malfunctioned. This is because the lymphatic system is the one that collects this fluid and reintroduces it to the blood circulatory system. In the process, some disease causing organisms are filtered off.
The other function of the lymphatic system is to ensure immunity and curb the spread of infections. This system acts as the first line of defence in the fight against infections. The capillaries in the lymphatic system carry and filter lymph fluid that consists of antibodies, lymphocytes, and bacteria. When the lymphatic system senses the presence of any of these in the body, it activates the body’s disease fighting mechanism. That way, disease-bearing microorganisms are battled in time.
The other function of the lymphatic system is to help in the food digestion process. There are lymphatic vessels that are located along the gastrointestinal tract. These vessels absorb fat from food. Fat is necessary for bodily functions. If there is a malfunction in these vessels, it might result in malnutrition. On the other hand, it may result in excessive fat absorption leading to obesity related complications.
Disorders Related to the Lymphatic System
One of the most common disorders of the lymphatic system is lymphedema. This happens when lymph fluid is accumulated causing the legs and/or the legs to swell. When this disorder occurs, its effects can be mild or serious depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, it might lead to infections in the deep tissues of the skin. If this condition persists, it may require surgical intervention. In addition, this condition can be a predisposition for elephantiasis.
HIV infection bears a direct connection to the lymphatic system. This is because HIV infections have the ability to by-pass the protection offered by this system. Understanding how these infections are able to do this would be vital to the research on HIV infection management. This system may also be used to deliver medication such antibiotics and anti viral to the infected parts of the body.
Lymphatic system is also instrumental to cancer surveillance. This system may provide an avenue for spreading cancerous cells in the body. There is a question of how cancer cells are able to influence the creation of new lymphatic vessels. For instance, tumours are dangerous because they are consisted of fully functioning vessels. These cells can also spread to other parts of the body and influence this same development. This process, that known as lymph-angiogenesis is very pertinent to cancer research.