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Anatomy & Physiology of the Lymphatic System

 

Lymphatic System Formation

The lymphatic system develops about 2 weeks after the cardiovascular system in the 5th week of pregnancy.  You can read in-depth on lymphatic embryologic development here.
 

Lymphatic System Function

To recap the basic functions of the lymphatic system that were discussed in “What the Heck is Lymph,” the body uses the lymphatic system to transport fluid from between the cells back into the circulatory system. 

This lymphatic fluid carries with it fat, proteins, waste products from cell metabolism, and other large molecules. 

The lymphatic system is also a part of the immune system and houses white blood cells (lymphocytes).  It also filters out foreign bodies such as bacteria, toxins, and cancer cells by trapping them in the lymph nodes.

The Lymphatic System

 

Lymph Nodes

The lymph nodes are where these intruders are broken down into harmless components. 

Lymph nodes (filters) exist throughout the body, but are most commonly found at places where the body bends.  Examples would be the armpits (axilla), elbows, hip crease (inguinal area), the knees, and the neck (cervical area).  Lymph nodes also exist in abundance in and around the small and large intestine. 

lymph nodes in the lymphatic system - Lymphatic Massage Albuquerque
Lymph Nodes


The cervical lymph nodes in the neck are commonly (and incorrectly) called “glands.”  When we are sick or are fighting an infection, the lymph nodes are often swollen and sore because they are busy breaking down the harmful substances (viruses, bacteria, etc.) to which we have been exposed. 

When your doctor feels for your lymph nodes in your neck if you come in complaining of being sick, he or she is checking to see if they are full of invading pathogens (bacteria, viruses, etc.).

Other important parts of the lymphatic system are the spleen, the thymus gland, the tonsils, and Peyer’s Patches.

 

Lymphatic Pathways

Approximately 70% of our lymph is found just under the skin in the lymphatic capillaries and collectors which are similar to veins, but they carry lymph instead of blood. 

Superficial lymph in the arms and legs drain to the regional lymph nodes found in the axilla (underarms) and inguinal area (hip crease).

Lymph coming from the inguinal lymph nodes in the hips and the left axilla (underarm) flows towards the center of the abdomen just below the diaphragm. 

Here the lymph is collected collected in an enlarged lymphatic pathway called the Cisterna Chyli.  From there the lymph travels up towards the top of the breastbone through a large vessel called the Thoracic Duct.  Once at the top of the Thoracic Duct, the lymph drains into the circulatory system at the left Subclavian (under the collarbone) Vein which connects directly to the heart.

The right upper side of the body takes a slightly different route.  Instead of going to the Cisterna Chyli, it heads straight up to the right collar bone and dumps into the circulatory system at the right Subclavian Vein at the Right Lymphatic Duct.

 

lymphatic system with the heart
The Lymphatic System with the Heart

 

Lymphatics of the Brain

In 2015 researchers located and documented the lymphatic vessels in the brain.  Up until that point, it was believed by present day scientists that there were no lymphatics in the brain or Central Nervous System.  Ironically, research done in the 1960’s and 1990’s that proved their existence was ignored.  So, in fact, it was a “re-discovery.”
Head, neck, and brain lymphatics

 

This finding was significant because it led to the discovery that the lymphatics are how the brain drains out the proteins and plaques that lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in rodent models.

 

Rate of Lymphatic Flow

In a healthy individual, the rate at which lymph flows from the body’s tissues (interstitium – meaning, “between the cells”) back to the circulatory system is determined by how much fluid exists in the area between the cells.  If there is a lot of fluid between the cells (swelling), then the rate of lymphatic flow will be high to remove that fluid and return it to circulation.

However, in people with a compromised or congested lymphatic system, the rate of flow is slowed down.  Compromised lymphatics can be caused by injury, surgery, or genetic conditions which cause the lymphatic system to not develop properly.  Congested lymphatics can be caused by dehydration, exposure to toxins, tight fitting clothing, and being sedentary.

Another factor that affects the rate of lymphatic flow is the amount of swelling in an area.  In very edatamous (swollen) areas, the lymph vessels (“highways”) are compressed like a flattened hose with bricks on top of it, and lymph cannot enter the vessels in order to leave the swollen areas.

 


Movement Is Key to Good

Lymphatic Flow

The amount of activity of the body also impacts the rate of flow.  A person who is sedentary is more likely to have swelling because movement of the body helps to propel lymph along its pathway back to the circulatory system. 

Movement of any kind can help to move lymph.  Deep breathing and the pulsation of the circulatory system due to the beating of the heart cause lymph to be propelled through the lymphatic system.  Even movement of an arm or leg by a therapist (called “passive movement”) can assist in lymphatic drainage.

Mild, external compression helps to move lymph.

To help increase lymphatic flow, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Electro-Lymphatic Therapy work to get the Thoracic Duct to empty into the circulatory system.  When it is empty, the Thoracic Duct acts like a vacuum and pulls lymph from other areas of the body.

Movement helps lymph flow through the lymphatic system.
Movement helps lymph flow through the lymphatic system.


Make an Appointment to Move Your Lymph

Whether you go for a swim, a hike, or just get out and walk around the block, your lymphatic system will thank you.

If basic exercise is not something that you are able to do due to mobility issues, or if you’d just like to come in and treat yourself to a full body detox, make an appointment at Pain & Swelling Solutions for a lymph drainage treatment. 
 

 

Lymphatic Massage Albuquerque 

 

Plastic Surgery?

Recover Faster with

Post Op Lymphatic Massage

from a licensed professional who specializes in post op massage
To help get rid of those lumps

 

Didn’t Have Surgery?

Feel Better Today With a

Lymphatic Detox Massage
or
Get Relief for Your Swelling

 

 

Having Trouble Making Your Appointment?

How to Use the Online Booking System

 
Shannon Goins, Certified Lymphedema Therapist - Pain & Swelling Solutions, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Certified Cupping Therapist
 
Shannon Goins-Blair, CLT-LANA
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Board Certified LMT
Certified Alternative Wellness Practitioner
and
Certified Integrative Health Practitioner, L1

Terapeuta linfática certificada
LMT certificado por la junta

Recuperarse más rápido.
Sentirse mejor hoy.

Doy la bienvenida a los clientes que hablan español.

Si habla usted español, por favor envíeme un mensaje de texto al 505-554-5185 o correo electrónico en español.

No hablo mucho español, pero estoy aprendiendo.

Puedo comunicarme contigo usando el traductor de google. Muchos de mis clientes no hablan inglés y no tengo problemas para comunicarme con ellos.

 

Am I the Right Therapist for You?

 
Pain & Swelling Solutions
2620 San Mateo Blvd NE, Suite E   
Albuquerque

Map & Directions
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa y las direcciones

 

Lymphatic Massage
Albuquerque 

Plastic Surgery?

Recover Faster with

Post Op Lymphatic Massage 

FROM A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
WHO SPECIALIZES IN POST-OP MASSAGE
To Help Get rid of those lumps

 

Didn’t Have Surgery?

Feel Better Today With a
Lymphatic Detox Massage

or
Get Relief for Your Swelling

 

 

Shannon Goins, Certified Lymphedema Therapist - Pain & Swelling Solutions, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Certified Cupping Therapist
Shannon Goins-Blair, CLT-LANA
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Board Certified LMT
Certified Alternative Wellness Practitioner
and
Certified Integrative Health Practitioner, L1

Terapeuta linfática certificada
LMT certificado por la junta

Having Trouble Making Your Appointment?

How to Use the Online Booking System

 

Am I the Right Therapist for You?

 
 

Recuperarse más rápido.
Sentirse mejor hoy.

Doy la bienvenida a los clientes
que hablan español.

Si no habla inglés, envíeme un mensaje de texto al 505-554-5185 o correo electrónico en español.

¡No hablo mucho español, pero estoy aprendiendo!

Puedo comunicarme contigo usando el traductor de google. Muchos de mis clientes no hablan inglés y no tengo problemas para comunicarme con ellos.

Pain & Swelling Solutions
2620 San Mateo Blvd NE, Suite E   
Albuquerque

Map & Directions
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa y las direcciones