Lymphatic System

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

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ver the entire human body stretches a remarkable network of tiny, transparent one way vessels, somewhat like knotted lace in appearance. This is lymphatic system. Through its microscopic conduit flows a mysterious, straw-coloured fluid known as the lymph. The lymph bathes all of the body cells. The lymph is derived from blood plasma. Along the lymphatic system there are hundreds of filtering stations known as nodes. These lymphatic nodes are of varying sizes (From mustard seed to French-bean); they produce lymphocytes and are body's fortresses to fight infection. They are located all over, but mainly clustered in groin, arm pits, neck and intestines. The lymph is pressed forward by the contraction of surrounding muscles pressure of breathing and blood vessels. Valves prevent backward flow. Lymph fluid can pool in the legs and feet which then swell, the pooling can be caused by:    

Plugged lymph nodes. Heart disorder. Too much intake of salts. Sides’ effects of medications.

The lymphatic system finally drains its fluid into veins at the base of the neck. The waste and the excess fluid are removed from the blood by the kidneys and eliminated by urination. Besides the lymphatic, the system includes lymphatic capillaries, larger vessels; lymph node consists of certain glands which are spleen, tonsils, adenoids and thymus. THE SPLEEN It is an organ of the abdomen sitting behind the stomach and cupping the left edge of the pancreas. The largest mass of lymphatic tissues is the spleen. It is spongy mass capable of holding one litre of blood. It is a valuable organ. Functions of the spleen       

Production of protective anti bodies and white blood cells (erythrocytes). Filter lymph fluids, the same way as the lymphatic nodes. Remove and destroy old and deformed red blood cells. Iron storage. Helps to produce haemoglobin from old cells. Stores extra blood for release when shortage occurs. Iron storage.

THE TONSILS AND ADENOIDS The tonsils are behind the oral cavity and the adenoids behind the nasal cavity. They are composed of masses of lymphoid tissues that is why included in this system. The only known functions of the tonsils are the formation of antibodies as special filters. THE THYMUS It is a both an endocrine as well as lymph gland, located behind the upper part of the breast bone. It contains lymphocytes that are important in the body’s defence mechanism against diseases and is also involved in acceptance/rejection of graft or foreign organs. There is still considerable ignorance as to how the thymus does its work and it is a subject of regular research.

Closely allied with Cardiovascular System and therefore every area we work indirectly helps the lymphatic vessels of that area. However, there are several vital areas which should always be considered when working this system. GROIN The location is where the foot joins the leg on both the feet. Work this area with your thumb or index fingers. By placing your hand on top of the foot you can do the thumb walking or finger walking at this joint, holding the foot by placing one hand under the heel. Hands can be changed for working the inside and outside parts of area. Incidentally, this reflex is common with that of fallopian tube/seminal vesicles. Also apply relaxing technique of ankle rotation.

CHEST, LUNG AND BREAST AREA All the four troughs of both the feet at metatarsal padding are to be worked from both top and bottom in the same manner as explained in respiratory system for lungs.

TONSILS AND ADENOIDS Reflex is not at the base of the toe joining the feet, but 1/3rd above the base. Let index finger work from inside edge to outside on the top of the great toe. The thumb will work inside edge to the outside edge on the bottom of the toe. Helper area for tonsils/adenoids will be the small toe.

THYMUS Reflex is located below the thyroid reflex and alongside of the upper thoracic. The area "relative to thyroid" is also for the thymus. We had/will discuss with endocrine system.It is an important organ for growth in children. SPLEEN The reflex is between 4th and 5th zone on the left foot from the waist line to half way between the waist lines to diaphragm line. Work this area upward with the right thumb and downward with the left thumb. When you work with right hand, left hand is the holding hand and vice versa. While working this area, keep changing the position of the thumb slightly to cover the width. Tender area should be covered by working across as well. DISORDERS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DISORDER

DESCRIPTION

REFLEX AREA

Ankles (swollen)

The presence of abnormally large amount of fluid in the tissue spaces around the ankles. Most lumps of the breast are benign and are usually infected lymph nodes. The presence of abnormally large amount of fluid in the intercellular tissue spaces of the body. Same as oedema

Kidneys, Adrenals, Lymph System, Referral Area: Wrist.

Breast lumps

Oedema

Fluid Retention Infections Leukemia

Sore Throat

Tonsillitis

An invasion of the body by bacteria. A disease of the bloodforming organs, characterized by an increase in the number of leucocytes and their precursors in the blood, causing enlargement and proliferation of the lymphoid tissue of the spleen, lymphatic glands, and bone marrow. Inflammation of the throat and tonsils. Inflammation of the tonsils, a small mass of lymphoid tissue.

Chest/Lungs, Lymph System, Pituitary. Lymph System, Kidneys, Adrenals.

Lymph System, Kidneys, Adrenals. Adrenals, Lymph System, Region or Area Affected. All Glands, Lymph System, Spleen.

Lymph System, All Toes, Great Toes, Adrenals, Cervical. Great Toes, Lymph System, All Toes, Adrenals, Cervical

Kuldeep Mongaa/AIAAR(R) 2009. Please take permission or give a credit line before republishing or using this material.