Lymph and lymph nodes are a natural body defense system

In the human body unfolded a huge network of microscopic vessels that permeate absolutely all of its tissues. "These are blood vessels," you might have thought. But no. In this article, we will talk about the lymphatic system of the body, which is on guard of his health.

So, the smallest lymphatic capillaries are combined into larger structures, connecting with each other and lymph nodes. The network formed by interconnected capillaries performs the most important protective and purifying function of the body. Through it, unnecessary and dangerous substances are removed from the body, such as excess fluid, protein substances, metabolic products, microbes, as well as foreign objects, toxins, etc.

The main fluid of the lymphatic system is lymph, which, thanks to its exceptional composition, protects the body from the attack of microbes, as well as the ingress of foreign substances into it. In the lymphatic system, a huge number of vessels of different diameters are distinguished, which are formed by combining the smallest capillaries. Large structures are called ducts, the largest of which flows into the circulatory system.

Lymph node is the military base of the body  

Lymph node - the formation of a round or oval shape, the size of which varies from 1 mm to 2 cm. This body structure serves as an obstacle to the spread of any infection and cancer cells. This is the forge of lymphocytes - the protective cells that take an active part in the destruction of foreign substances and cells, for one reason or another have got into the body.

Lymph nodes are also grouped together. These groups are the lines of defense of the body, ensuring its protection against infectious and cancerous diseases. Thus, they have a suitable location. Lymph nodes, for example, are localized in the elbow and knee folds, the axilla, in the groin and cervical region. Cervical lymph nodes protect the head, as well as organs and structures that are located in the cervical region, from infections and tumors.

Abdominal and thoracic cavities contain a huge number of lymph nodes. Lymphatic capillaries of microscopic diameter penetrate both deep tissue and body structures, and superficial.

Enlargement of lymph nodes - an alarm signal about the invasion of the enemy  

The body has its own signaling system that something in its area is wrong. And in this system, he actively uses lymph nodes. As a reaction to the spread of infection in this or that part of the body, local lymph nodes increase. Sometimes the cause of this condition is the development of the tumor.

If there are purulent processes, then talk about the development of acute lymphadenitis, or inflammation of the lymph node. The cause of inflammation is the entry of microbes from wounds that are located in the area "liable to" the lymph node.

In children, swelling of the lymph nodes can be an indicator of tuberculosis. Among other reasons for their increase can be identified child's disease of cat scratch. A cat that scratches a child's hand transfers to him the Bartonella microbe, which causes an enlargement of the lymph nodes. This is because the microbes from the wound travel through the lymphatic vessels and, eventually, get to the lymph node. In this case, touching or enlarging the lymph nodes causes painful sensations.

Lymph nodes can also increase with a tumor. Then there are two possible reasons for their swelling: either the development of tumor formation from the lymph node, or metastases from another lesion.