Lymph Node System

Most people aren’t aware of their lymph system until they have a swollen or painful lymph node, then they will want to know everything there is to know about the lymph node system. It is an amazing system that reaches to every part of the body destroying harmful organisms and filtering waste. A swollen lymph node is a warning sign of an infection and sometimes a serious disease like cancer, so it shouldn’t be ignored. There is balance and cooperation among various the systems in the human body and the lymph system.

Lymph Node System Function

One of the most important functions of the lymph node system is to aid the immune system. The lymph system does this by destroying harmful organisms and filtering waste in the lymph fluid. After in is filtered, the lymph is returned to the circulatory system.

The lymph system is also responsible for destroying and removing of the following from lymph:

1. Debris
2. Cancer cells
3. Fluid
4. Waste
5. Dead blood cells
6. Pathogens
7. Toxins

When there is excessive waste and debris, it can build up in the lymph nodes causing them to swell.

The lymph system delivers nutrients, oxygen, and hormones from the blood to various cells in the body.

Lymphatic Capillaries in the Lymph Node System

Lymph, which begins as plasma, enters the lymphatic capillaries, which are, blind-ended tubes that are the size of a single cell and are attached to tissue. There are superficial lymphatic capillaries (70%) and deep lymphatic capillaries (30%). The superficial lymphatic capillaries are located close to the skin and the deep lymphatic capillaries are located around organs. When fluid builds up, it opens up the capillaries to allow the fluid to enter but not leave. When it builds up in the capillaries, the lymph will move forward. Since there is no organ that pumps the lymph fluid through the body, it relies on the lymphatic capillaries to keep the fluid moving through the mesh like system.

Lymph Nodes in the Lymph Node System

The lymph is moved through the body and will pass through the 600-700 lymph nodes that are part of the lymph system. The nodes have the responsibility of destroying harmful organisms and filtering waste in the lymph before it travels to the next node in the system or is released back into the circulatory system.

When the specialized white blood cells destroy pathogens, it can cause the node to swell up. Lymph nodes trap cancer cells and can destroy some of them, which slows the spread of cancer. If the lymph nodes become overwhelmed with cancer cells and will not be able to control the spread of cancer in the body.

For most people, the lymph node system carries out its job quietly and behind the scenes until it is overwhelmed and a swollen or so lymph node is noticed. You should know when to see a healthcare professional regarding swollen lymph nodes.