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CHAPTER NINE

THE LYMPH VASCULAR SYSTEM

The Lymph Vascular System is an aid to and is similar to the system of veins of the body. It consists of the Lymph Vessels, Lymph Spaces, and Lymph Nodes. Circulating through this system is an important body fluid known as Lymph.

The blood is contained in the blood vessels, hence does not come into direct contact with the cells of the body. This makes it necessary that some medium of exchange exist between the blood and the cells. Lymph serve this purpose.

Lymph is a nearly colorless, alkaline, slightly salty fluid, possessing a faint odor. It closely resembles the plasma of the blood, and roughly, may be said to be blood plasma minus the red corpuscles and blood-platelets. It originates in the blood and bathes all portions of the body not reached by the blood.

LYMPH VESSELS—In this system we find minute microscopic vessels carrying lymph known as Lymph Capillaries, which are somewhat larger than the blood capillaries but distributed over the body in much the same manner. These unite to form larger vessels known as Lymphatics. The lymphatics continue to unite and finally form two main channels known as (1) the Thoractic Duct and (2) the Right Lymphatic Duct.

LYMPH SPACES—These are the spaces in connective tissue filled with lymph.

LYMPH NODES OR GLANDS—These are small bean-shaped bodies of tissue which are found connected to and along the course of the lymphatics. They serve as filters for the lymph, arrest the passage of bacteria and aid in preventing the spread of infection. There are from 500 to 600 of these glands in the human body whose important protective function can not be overestimated.

The lymph vessels are found in nearly every tissue and organ of the body which contains blood vessels. The cartilage, nails, of the body which contains blood vessels. The cartilage, nails, cuticle and hair are about the only parts of the body without them. They are classified as DEEP LYMPH VESSELS and SUPERFICIAL LYMPH VESSELS. In each case they accompany the veins about them. The Superficial vessels are placed near the skin surface alongside the superficial veins and serve to drain the tissues beneath the skin and the outer muscles of the face and scalp. The deep vessels, fewer in number and larger than the superficial lymphatics, drain the deep muscles and cavities of the body.

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Certain lymphatics have their origin in the small intestines. These are called LACTEALS and are especially important because of their assistance in supplying CHYLE, a milk-white fluid essential in food digestion.

FUNCTION OF THE LYMPH VASCULAR SYSTEM

This system bathes the cells and delivers to them all the material they need to maintain their proper function; receives and returns to the blood the waste products or matter capable of being used by some other tissue. This constant interchange of substances in and out of the cells is accomplished by processes known as Diffusion, Osmosis, and Dialysis, which mean in a general way, the seepage of fluid to and from the lymphatics.

CIRCULATION OF LYMPH

After the work of the lymph is completed in a given area it begins its journey back to the blood stream from the capillaries into the lymphatics, which like veins have several pocket valves to prevent back flow, on through several lymphatic nodes or glands into the thoracic duct (about 15 inches long) on the left side of the body, or into the right lymphatic duct on the right, and finally enters the blood stream through one or the other of these vessels at the junction of the jugular veins. Lymph then enters the pulmonary circuit, where it reaches the lungs, is charged with oxygen and purified, to begin its circuit of the body all over again.

It is estimated that lymph comprises about three times the volume of blood in the body. Taken together, the lymph and blood constitute about one-fourth the total weight of the body. It is highly important that this volume of fluid be maintained at all times. As has been pointed out, every cell is bathed in lymph, every cell depends upon the lymph for food and other material to insure its proper functioning; every cell is drained of waste by the lymph. So that to keep the cells of the body functioning in a normal state, a normal, constant supply of lymph must necessarily be maintained. Occasionally an excessive amount of lymph is accumulated between the tissues and the lymphatic system fails to carry it off. Such a condition is known as dropsy.

STIMULATION OF THE FLOW OF LYMPH IS OBTAINED:

1. By Massage.
2. By Muscular Activity.
3. Deep Breathing.
4. Electrical Stimulation.