Understanding the Lymphatic System and Disorders That Can Occur

The lymphatic system, known as the lymph system, is an important part of the immune system or immune system. The lymphatic system plays a role in producing, storing and carrying white blood cells to fight infection, as well as other diseases.

The lymphatic system consists of several organs that have their respective functions in supporting the immune system. When the function of the lymphatic system is disrupted, the body will become more susceptible to disease because the immune system is disturbed.

Understanding the Function and Organ of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system has a variety of functions for the body, here are some of the main functions:

Fight the cause of infection.

Handle cancer cells.

Handling cell production that may cause disease or disorder.

Regulates body fluid balance.

Absorb some food fat in the intestine.

The organs of the lymphatic system consist of the spinal cord, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, lymph fluid, and lymph vessels. In humans, the spinal cord and thymus gland are the main keys in immune function. All lymphocytes come from stem cells in the spinal cord. Damage to these organs can cause very bad effects on the immune system.

The spleen acts to filter and monitor blood in the body. In addition, the spleen also plays a role in producing and storing many cells, including various white blood cells that are important as the immune system.

Meanwhile, the thymus gland acts as a producer of cells called T-cell lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are part of the white blood cells that are very important in providing an immune response, especially when experiencing infection. Lymph nodes and lymph vessels also have great benefits in the immune system.

Lymph fluid functions in transporting foreign substances that are considered dangerous by the body, such as bacteria, cancer cells, dead or damaged cells, to be filtered by lymph nodes. Residual substances that are considered dangerous will be countered by lymphocytes and their supporting substances, then discarded by the body.

Various Lymphatic System Disorders

There are several main factors that can cause interference with the lymphatic system, including:

Infection
Both viral and bacterial infections, will trigger resistance from the immune system, including those in the lymph nodes. Under certain conditions, this reaction causes inflammation of the lymph nodes or lymphadenitis, which can be characterized by swollen lymph nodes.

Cancer
The presence of a tumor can block the lymphatic tract to the lymph nodes that interfere with the flow of lymph fluid. Cancer that appears in the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. When lymphocyte cells in the lymphatic system are attacked by cancer cells, the immune system decreases.

Blockage (obstruction)
Obstruction in the lymphatic system causes fluid buildup (lymphedema). Obstruction can be caused by the formation of scar tissue due to damage to the lymph vessels, for example due to radiotherapy, injury, infection, or surgical removal of lymph nodes. The scar tissue will block or block the flow of lymph fluid and cause organ swelling.

The lymphatic system is very important for the body's immunity to various infections and diseases. If you experience health problems that may be related to the lymphatic system, you should immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.