Probably no one will argue that in the human body the most important are two interconnected systems - the circulatory and lymphatic. With the circulatory system, everything is relatively clear: it transports oxygen and carbon dioxide, nutrients and metabolic products excreted through the kidneys, skin, lungs, and other organs, as well as heat regulation in warm-blooded animals. Thus, it is impossible to overestimate its importance in the life of the body, but the lymphatic system is no less important. Lymph is the fluid component of blood, and this system is designed to drain lymph, maintain homeostasis, replenish blood lymphocytes, and participate in humoral and cellular immunity. The lymphatic system consists of vessels and lymph nodes, which are grouped into regional lymph nodes.
Lymphatic system
The totality of the structures of this system is represented by an extensive network of vessels (capillaries, trunks, ducts), on which there are numerous seals - regional, or regional nodes. As a fluid circulation system in the body,the lymphatic system is responsible for the intake of water, insoluble particles, colloidal and suspended solutions from tissues. In the regional lymph nodes, accumulations of lymphocytes destroy harmful substances, performing an immune (protective) function.
Lymph nodes in the system
Lymph nodes are anatomical formations of pink color, soft and elastic when probing. Usually kidney-shaped, from 0.5 to 50 millimeters long. Lymph nodes are located singly or in groups and are located in important anatomical parts of the body. They are characterized by individual differentiation, and with age, neighboring nodes can merge. The nodes that are the first on the path of the vessels of the lymphatic system that carry lymph from a particular department or organ (region) are called regional, or regional lymph nodes.
Human lymph nodes
The number of such "filters" in the body is individual, but on average they are from 400 to 1000. The following diagram will help you understand where the regional lymph nodes are.
Lymph nodes are rebuilt throughout a person's life, changing their shape and structure. With age, their number decreases by 1.5-2 times, they can merge or be replaced by connective or adipose tissue. The nodes become impassable for the lymph and atrophy. Accordingly, the level of the body's immune response and overall resistance to infections are reduced.
Functions of lymph nodes
Besides filtering, this componentThe lymphatic system performs the following functions:
- direct formation of immune responses (production of T-lymphocytes and phagocytes);
- maintaining water homeostasis of the body;
- drainage of interstitial fluid;
- participation in important metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates.
Types of regional lymph nodes
Groups of lymph nodes are positioned to block the path of infection. The following groups of regional lymph nodes are distinguished:
- mediastinal (intrathoracic);
- bronchopulmonary;
- elbow and popliteal;
- splenic;
- paraortal;
- mezzanine.
- iliac;
- inguinal and femoral.
An increase in regional lymph nodes indicates trouble in that node's "service" zone, which is one of the indicators in the diagnosis of diseases.
The structure of the lymph node
Anatomically, this structure has a lobed structure. Each node is covered with a connective tissue capsule. The medulla (external) and cortical (internal) substance is separated by trabeculae, or crossbars.
The medulla contains follicles in which B-lymphocytes undergo antigen-dependent maturation and differentiation. The cortex contains predominantly T-lymphocytes, which also mature and differentiate here. In the lymph nodes, the body's immune response is formed to foreign antigens that the lymph brings to the sinusoidal ducts. The surface of the ducts is coveredmacrophage cells, whose task is to destroy foreign objects.
There is an indentation at the entrance of the lymphatic vessel - the gate. Through the sinuses of the capsule - special slots between the capsule and the crossbars - the lymph enters the capsules of the cortical and medulla, collects in the portal sinus and enters the excretory vessel. When passing through the structures of the node, lymph is filtered.
Types of lymph nodes
Three types of these formations are conditionally distinguished:
- Quick response, in which the area of the cortical substance is less than that of the medulla. They fill up very quickly.
- Compact structure or slow response - more cortex than medulla.
- Intermediate - both substances (cortical and brain) are present in the same amount.
The effectiveness of cancer treatment largely depends on the individual predominance of one or another type of regional lymph nodes in humans.
Structure violations
In a he althy body, the lymph nodes are not painful and are almost not palpable. If the regional lymph nodes are enlarged, this indicates the unfavorable state of the region to which this structure belongs. An increase in size and soreness in the node area may indicate the presence of viral infections (herpes, measles, rubella) or connective tissue disorders (arthritis, rheumatism). Deep lesions of regional lymph nodes are observed withlymphedema, lifangioma, lymphosarcomas, lymphadenitis, tuberculosis, HIV and in the late stages of oncological lesions of various organs. At the first sign of concern, you should consult a doctor. To diagnose the condition, the most accurate study today is an ultrasound of regional lymph nodes.
When to See a Doctor
An enlarged node is a reason to see a doctor (immunologist, infectious disease specialist, oncologist). But do not panic - more often this condition is associated with an infectious lesion, much less often with oncology.
- With purulent inflammation in tissues, microbes from wounds enter the lymph nodes, causing lymphadenitis - an acute inflammatory process. If the purulent node is not opened, phlegmon may develop - a serious complication and rupture of the lymph node.
- Various forms of TB always cause swollen lymph nodes, most often in the neck (so-called "scrofula").
- Nodes can enlarge when infected with Bartonella and cause cat scratch disease. Cats are carriers of the microbe. Increased knots and non-healing wounds should alert parents.
- Quite often, lymph nodes increase with SARS as a result of the body's struggle with an invading virus. Upon recovery, the nodes return to normal.
- In the groin area, an increase in nodes is often associated with sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis).
In addition to referral for ultrasound, the doctor may refer the patient for a complete blood count, immunogram, HIV test and puncture of the regional lymph node of the affected area.
What the ultrasound will show
Timely and high-quality examination largely determines the success of treatment and can save not only he alth, but also the life of the patient. The study will show changes in the structure of the tissue of the node, circulatory disorders, localization of the lesion, echo density of the tissue. The study also takes into account accompanying signs: chills, body aches, insomnia, loss of appetite, headaches. The reliability of the results of ultrasound examination is quite high. Errors in interpretation may be due to the presence of an abscess or cyst at the site of study. In this case, an additional examination is prescribed: tomography or biopsy. Ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes has no contraindications, does not irradiate and does not harm he alth.
Regional lymph nodes of the breast
The lymphatic system of the mammary gland is represented by departments inside and outside the organ. The internal system is represented by fatty tissue, capillaries and the parenchyma of the mammary gland proper. Regional lymph nodes of the breast are axillary, subclavian and parasternal lymph nodes. An increase in axillary nodes and the absence of their pain is a more alarming sign than the presence of edema and painful palpation. Painless enlarged nodes indicate the beginning of metastasis of malignant tumors.
Regional lymph nodes of the thyroid gland
The regional nodes of the thyroid gland include nodes in the neck and those behind the sternum. The inflammatory process begins with an increase in the node, swelling and painful palpation. In this case, the risk of spreading infection or cancer metastasis is dangerous due to proximity to the brain.
Spread of oncological neoplasms
Cancer cells spread in the body in the following ways:
- hematogenous pathway (through blood vessels);
- lymphogenic pathway (through the lymphatic vessels, through the lymph nodes);
- mixed way.
The lymph nodes of the neck are the main barrier to infections and tumors of the head organs; the nodes of the armpit protect the mammary glands, arms, shoulder blades. Inflammation of the inguinal nodes can talk about inflammation of the ovaries, syphilis, colitis and colpitis, appendicitis and arthritis. With inflammation in the oral cavity and oncology of the lips, jaws or tongue, the submandibular lymph nodes increase. Oncological neoplasms in the abdominal cavity give metastases to the lymph nodes of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Cancer & Lymph
It is by the increase in regional lymphatic vessels that one can judge the initial stages of malignant tumors. In the world, oncology in terms of mortality today is in second place after cardiovascular pathologies. The World He alth Organization predicts a 2-fold increase in mortality from malignant pathologies in the next twenty years. Here are some facts that speak for themselves.
About 25% of all cancer cases are caused by hepatitis and human papillomavirus.
One third of cancer deaths are attributable to foodsources of risk. These are obesity, a low rate of vegetables and fruits in the diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking.
Among oncological pathologies, lung cancer leads, followed by cancer of the liver, colon and rectum, stomach and breast.
Male death rates are highest in central and eastern Europe, and women are more likely to die of cancer in East Africa.
According to WHO, more than 200 thousand children fall ill with cancer every year in the world.
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He alth is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or borrowed. Every person who wants to lead an active lifestyle and occupy a certain social position is obliged to take care of his he alth. Today, being he althy is fashionable, it means being in trend. He althy nutrition, feasible physical exercises, rejection of bad habits - all this will help not to get sick and support your body. However, at the first signs and symptoms of the lymphatic system, you should consult a doctor. Timely treatment, high-quality examination and correct diagnosis are the key to successful treatment, restoring good he alth and prolonging life.
