The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system. It consists of lymph, lymphatic vessels, organs and lymph nodes.
The lymph transports certain nutrients throughout the body. It also distributes white blood cells, which fight germs. It is formed from certain elements of blood and other bodily fluids, called interstitial fluid or tissue fluid, which are present in intercellular spaces.
The majority of the interstitial fluid penetrates the lymphatic capillaries to become lymph. In addition to the interstitial fluids, lymph also collects particles too bulky to be absorbed through the capillary membrane, like cellular remains, fatty cells and small protein particles. The lymph is then drained into larger lymphatic vessels and then returns to blood circulation. The lymphatic system constitutes a secondary transport system, which doesn't have a pump. The lymph circulation is dependent on muscular contraction.
The lymph nodes are small oval structures, normally bean size. Blood is cleaned and filtered in the lymph nodes, where cells that fight bacteria and viruses collect at times of disease. This filtration prevents bacteria, cancerous cells and other infectious agents from penetrating the blood and circulating in the body. During an infection, the lymph nodes enlarge in the area of the infection.
Edema, Lymphedema and Cellulitis
Edema is retention of water and various substances in the body or tissue (the skin and subcutaneous tissue, for example). This retention of water occurs when the balance between the filtered and reabsorbed substances in the blood capillaries is abnormal. Various factors can affect this balance: heart failure, chronic liver disease, kidney disease and venous insufficiency.
Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of lymph, resulting from a dysfunctional drainage of the lymphatic system, making it unable to cope with the excess of waste and water in the lymphatic system.
Cellulitis is the inflammation of the subcutaneous connective tissue, which gives the skin an aspect known as peau d'orange (skin of an orange).
Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) consists of moving the excess fluid accumulated in the swollen areas by manipulation or massage to reduce lymphatic swelling. MLD must always be done by a person specialized in lymphedema or by a massage therapist specialized in lymphatic drainage.
Indications for lymphatic drainage are varicose vein surgery, plastic surgery, a swollen arm after breast cancer surgery, edemas due to injury and edema of inflammatory rheumatic disease.
The original article (in French) can be read here.
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