Probably, no one will argue that in the human body the most important are two interconnected systems - the circulatory and lymphatic. Everything is relatively clear with the circulatory system: it carries out the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, nutrients and metabolic products excreted through the kidneys, skin, lungs, and other organs, as well as heat regulation in warm-blooded animals. Thus, it is impossible to overestimate its importance in the life of the body, but the lymphatic system is no less important. Lymph is a liquid component of the blood, and this system is designed to drain lymph, maintain homeostasis, replenish blood lymphocytes and participate in humoral and cellular immunity. The lymphatic system consists of vessels and lymph nodes, which are grouped into regional lymph nodes.
Lymphatic system
The whole set of structures of this system is represented by an extensive network of vessels (capillaries, trunks, ducts), on which there are numerous seals - regional, or regional nodes. As a system of fluid circulation in the body, the lymphatic system is responsible for the intake of water, insoluble particles, colloidal and suspended solutions from tissues. In regional lymph nodes, accumulations of lymphocytes destroy harmful substances, performing an immune (protective) function.
Lymph nodes in the system
Lymph nodes are pink anatomical formations that are soft and elastic when palpated. Usually kidney-shaped, with a length of 0.5 to 50 millimeters. Lymph nodes are located one at a time or in groups and are located in important anatomical parts of the body. They are characterized by individual differentiation, and with age, neighboring nodes can merge. The nodes that are the first in the way of vessels of the lymphatic system that carry lymph from a specific department or organ (region) are called regional, or regional lymph nodes.
Human lymph nodes
The number of such “filters” in the body is individual, but on average they are from 400 to 1000. The following scheme will help to understand where the regional lymph nodes are.
Lymph nodes are rebuilt throughout a person’s life, changing their shape and structure. With age, their number decreases by 1.5-2 times, they can merge or be replaced by connective or adipose tissue. Nodes become impassable for lymph and atrophy. Accordingly, the level of the body's immune response and overall resistance to infections are reduced.
Lymph node function
In addition to filtration, this component of the lymphatic system performs the following functions:
- direct formation of immune responses (production of T-lymphocytes and phagocytes);
- maintaining water homeostasis of the body;
- drainage of intercellular fluid;
- participation in important exchanges of proteins, fats, carbohydrates.
Types of regional lymph nodes
Groups of lymph nodes are located so as to block the path of infection. The following groups of regional lymph nodes are distinguished:
- mediastinal (intrathoracic);
- bronchopulmonological;
- ulnar and popliteal;
- splenic;
- paraortic;
- mud spray.
- iliac;
- inguinal and femoral.
The increase in regional lymph nodes indicates a disadvantage in the “service” zone of the node, which is one of the indicators in the diagnosis of diseases.
The structure of the lymph node
Anatomically, this structure has a lobed structure. Each node is covered with a connective tissue capsule. Brain (external) and cortical (internal) matter is separated by trabeculae, or crossbeams.
The brain substance contains follicles in which B-lymphocytes undergo antigen-dependent maturation and differentiation. The cortical substance contains mainly T-lymphocytes, which also mature and differentiate here. In the lymph nodes, the body forms an immune response to foreign antigens that lymph brings to the sinusoidal ducts. The surface of the ducts is covered with macrophage cells, the task of which is the destruction of foreign objects.
At the places of entry of the lymphatic vessel there is an impression - the gate. On the sine of the capsule - the special gaps between the capsule and the crossbeams - the lymph enters the capsule of the cortical and medulla, collects in the portal sinus and enters the excretory vessel. When passing through the structure of the node, lymph is filtered.
Types of lymph nodes
Three types of these formations are conditionally distinguished:
- A rapid response in which the area of cortical substance is smaller than that of the brain. Fill up very quickly.
- A compact structure or a slow response - there is more cortical substance than brain substance.
- Intermediate - both substances (cortical and cerebral) are presented in the same amount.
The effectiveness of the treatment of oncological diseases largely depends on the individual predominance of one or another type of regional lymph nodes in humans.
Structural disorders
In a healthy body, the lymph nodes are not painful and are almost not palpable. If the regional lymph nodes are enlarged, this indicates a dysfunctional state of the region to which this structure belongs. An increase in size and pain in the area of the node can indicate the presence of viral infections (herpes, measles, rubella) or connective tissue disorders (arthritis, rheumatism). Deep lesions of regional lymph nodes are observed with lymphedema, lymphangioma, lymphosarcoma, lymphadenitis, tuberculosis, HIV and in the late stages of cancer of various organs. At the first signs of concern, you should consult a doctor. To diagnose the condition, the most accurate study today is an ultrasound of regional lymph nodes.
When to see a doctor
Enlargement of the node is an occasion to consult a doctor (immunologist, infectious disease specialist, oncologist). But do not panic - more often this condition is associated with an infectious lesion, much less often with oncology.
- With purulent inflammation in the tissues, microbes from the wounds enter the lymph nodes, causing lymphadenitis - an acute inflammatory process. If you do not open the purulent node, phlegmon may develop - a serious complication and rupture of the lymph node.
- Various forms of tuberculosis always cause an increase in lymph nodes, most often in the neck area (the so-called scrofula).
- Nodules can grow when infected with Bartonella and cause feline scratch disease. The carriers of the microbe are cats. Enlarged nodes and non-healing wounds should alert parents.
- Quite often, lymph nodes increase with acute respiratory viral infections as a result of the body struggling with the invading virus. Upon recovery, the nodes return to normal.
- In the inguinal zone, an increase in nodes is often associated with sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis).
In addition to referring to an ultrasound, the doctor can refer the patient for a general blood test, immunogram, HIV test and puncture of the regional lymph node of the affected area.
What ultrasound shows
Timely and high-quality examination largely determines the success of treatment and can save not only health, but also the life of the patient. The study will show changes in the structure of the tissue of the node, circulatory disorders, localization of the lesion, echo density of the tissue. The study takes into account the accompanying symptoms: chills, body aches, insomnia, loss of appetite, headaches. The reliability of the results of ultrasound examination is quite high. Errors in interpretation may be due to the presence of an abscess or cyst at the site of study. In this case, an additional examination is prescribed: tomography or biopsy. Ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes has no contraindications, does not irradiate and does not harm health.
Regional lymph nodes of the mammary gland
The lymphatic system of the mammary gland is represented by the departments inside the organ and outside it. The internal system is represented by fatty tissue, capillaries and the parenchyma of the mammary gland itself. The regional lymph nodes of the mammary gland are axillary, subclavian and parasternal lymph nodes. An increase in axillary nodes and the absence of their soreness is a more alarming sign than the presence of edema and painful palpation. Painless enlarged nodes indicate the onset of metastasis of malignant tumors.
Regional lymph nodes of the thyroid gland
Regional nodes of the thyroid gland include nodes in the neck and those located behind the sternum. The inflammatory process begins with an increase in the site, swelling and painful palpation. In this case, the risk of spreading the infection or metastasis of oncology is dangerous due to proximity to the brain.
The spread of cancer
Cancer cells spread in the body in the following ways:
- hematogenous pathway (through the blood vessels);
- lymphogenous pathway (through the lymphatic vessels, through the lymph nodes);
- mixed way.
Lymph nodes of the neck - the main barrier to infections and tumors of the organs of the head; axillary nodes protect the mammary glands, arms, shoulder blades. Inflammation of the inguinal nodes may indicate inflammation of the ovaries, syphilis, colitis and colpitis, appendicitis and arthritis. With inflammation in the oral cavity and oncology of the lips, jaws or tongue, submandibular lymph nodes increase. Oncological neoplasms in the abdominal cavity give metastases to the lymph nodes of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Oncological diseases and lymph
It is by the increase in regional lymphatic vessels that one can judge the initial stages of malignant tumors. Oncology in the world in terms of mortality is now in second place after cardiovascular pathologies. The World Health Organization predicts a 2-fold increase in mortality from malignant pathologies in the next twenty years. Here are a few facts that speak for themselves.
About 25% of all cases of oncology are caused by hepatitis and human papillomavirus.
A third of cancer deaths are related to food sources of risk. This is obesity, a low rate of fruits and vegetables in the diet, lack of exercise, alcohol and tobacco smoking.
Among oncological pathologies, lung cancer is leading, followed by cancer of the liver, colon and rectum, stomach and breast.
The highest rates of male mortality are in central and eastern Europe, and women are more likely to die of cancer in East Africa.
According to the WHO, every year in the world more than 200 thousand children fall ill with cancer.
Health is an invaluable gift that cannot be bought or borrowed. Every person who wants to lead an active lifestyle and take a certain social position is obliged to take care of his health. Today, being healthy is fashionable, it means being in a trend. Healthy nutrition, feasible physical exercises, refusal of bad habits - all this will help not to get sick and support your body. However, at the first signs and symptoms of the lymphatic system, you must consult a doctor. Timely treatment, quality examination and the right diagnosis are the key to successful treatment, the return of good health and prolong life.