Lymph: From 4 Different Sources
A watery or milky body fluid containing lymphocytes, proteins, and fats.
Lymph accumulates outside the blood vessels in the intercellular spaces of body tissues, and is collected by the vessels of the lymphatic system.
This system filters the fluid and eventually returns it to the bloodstream.
Lymph plays an important role in the immune system as well as in absorbing fats from the intestine.
Pertaining to the lymph system or lymph tissue, the “back alley” of blood circulation. Lymph is the alkaline, clear intercellular fluid that drains from the blood capillaries, where the arterial blood separates into thick, gooey venous blood and lymph. It bathes the cells, drains up into the lymph capillaries, through the lymph nodes for cleaning and checking against antibody templates, up through the body, and back to recombine with the venous blood in the upper chest. Blood in the veins is thick, mainly because part of its fluid is missing, traveling through the tissues as lymph. Lymph nodes in the small intestine absorb most of the dietary fats as well-organized chylomicrons. Lymph nodes and tissue in the spleen, thymus, and tonsils also organize lymphocytes and maintain the software memory of previously encountered antigens and their antibody defense response. Blood feeds the lymph, lymph feeds the cells, lymph cleanses the cells and returns to the blood.
Lymph is the ?uid which circulates in the lymphatic vessels of the body. It is a colourless ?uid, like blood PLASMA in composition, only rather more watery. It contains salts similar to those of blood plasma, and the same proteins, although in smaller amount: FIBRINOGEN, serum albumin (see ALBUMINS), and serum GLOBULIN. It also contains lymphocytes (white blood cells), derived from the glands. In some lymphatic vessels, the lymph contains, after meals, a great amount of FAT in the form of a ?ne milky emulsion. These are the vessels which absorb fat from the food passing down the INTESTINE, and convey it to the thoracic duct; they are called lacteals because their contents look milky (see CHYLE).
The lymph is derived, initially, from the blood, the watery constituents of which exude through the walls of the CAPILLARIES into the tissues, conveying material for the nourishment of the tissues and absorbing waste products.
The spaces in the tissues communicate with lymph capillaries, which have a structure similar to that of the capillaries of the blood-vessel system, being composed of delicate ?at cells joined edge to edge. These unite to form ?ne vessels, resembling minute veins in structure, called lymphatics, which ramify throughout the body, passing through lymphatic glands and ultimately discharging their contents into the jugular veins in the root of the neck. Other lymph vessels commence in great numbers as minute openings on the surface of the PLEURA and PERITONEUM, and act as drains for these otherwise closed cavities. When ?uid is e?used into these cavities – as in a pleural e?usion, for example – its absorption takes place through the lymphatic vessels. The course of these vessels is described under the entry on GLAND.
Lymph circulates partly by reason of the pressure at which it is driven through the walls of the blood capillaries, but mainly in consequence of incidental forces. The lymph capillaries and vessels are copiously provided with valves, which prevent any back ?ow of lymph, and every time these vessels are squeezed (as by the contraction of a muscle, or movement of a limb) the lymph is pumped along.
The term lymph is also applied to the serous ?uid contained in the vesicles which develop as the result of vaccination, and used for the purpose of vaccinating other individuals.
n. the fluid present within the vessels of the *lymphatic system. It consists of the fluid that bathes the tissues, which is derived from the blood and is drained by the lymphatic vessels. Lymph passes through a series of filters (*lymph nodes) and is ultimately returned to the bloodstream via the *thoracic duct. It is similar in composition to plasma, but contains less protein and some cells, mainly *lymphocytes.
A neoplasia of the lymph tissue, such as Hodgkin’s Disease. Although it is frequently useful to stimulate immunity when a person is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, since the resultant immunosuppression is a major side effect of the treatment, in lymphatic cancer this the POINT of the therapy...let it be.... lymphoma
Inflammation or swelling of one or more lymph nodes. It may be an acute response or chronic, but signals the drainage into those nodes of microbes, their waste products, or the immuno-complexes produced upstream, whether from infection or allergy. A few infections can target or inhabit lymph nodes such as typhoid and EBV. Some people, with a past history of infection in a specific tissue (such as chronic sore throat as a kid) will have developed a LARGER sized node, hard and permanently palpable. These are hypertrophic or “shotty” nodes, and of no more importance than pumped-up muscles or old scar tissue.... lymphadenitis
Enlargement of the lymph nodes. Swelling of the body lymph glands which is sometimes painful, especially after envenomation. Lymph glands when swollen may be almost anywhere in the body, but are more easilyfelt in the neck, under the arms (axillae) and in the groins.... lymphadenopathy
Inflammation of one or more lymph nodes and/or lymph vessels, usually part of an acute infectious condition.... lymphangitis
Swelling of a part or organ due to obstruction to the LYMPH vessels draining it.... lymphoedema
A traditional term for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (see LYMPHOMA).... lymphosarcoma
A procedure whereby the LYMPHATICS and lymphatic glands can be rendered visible on X-ray ?lms by means of the injection of radio-opaque substances. It has now been replaced largely by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).... lymphangiography
An uncommon, non-malignant tumour occurring in the skin or the tongue. It comprises an abnormal collection of lymph vessels and tends to be present from birth. Sometimes it disappears spontaneously, but it may need surgical removal.... lymphangioma
Pertaining to the lymph system...sometimes more broadly to include immunity.... lymphatic
A variety of white blood cell produced in the LYMPHOID TISSUE and lymphatic glands (see LYMPHATICS; GLAND) of the body. It contains a simple, rounded nucleus surrounded by protoplasm generally described as non-granular. Two varieties of lymphocyte are described, small and large, and together they form over 20 per cent of the white cells of the blood. They play an important part in the production of ANTIBODIES, and in the rejection of transplanted organs such as the heart (see TRANSPLANTATION). This they do in two di?erent ways: what are known as B-lymphocytes produce antibodies, while T-lymphocytes attack and destroy antigens (see ANTIGEN) directly. The latter are known as T-lymphocytes because they are produced by the THYMUS GLAND. Their numbers are increased in TUBERCULOSIS and certain other diseases. Such an increase is known as LYMPHOCYTOSIS.... lymphocyte
(LGV) A tropical sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes L1, L2 and L3.... lymphogranuloma venereum
Lymph is the same fluid which oozes from a cut when bleeding stops. It surrounds every living cell. Lymph conveys to the blood the final products of digestion of food. It also receives from the blood waste products of metabolism. This is a two-way traffic.
Lymph fluid, loaded with waste, excess protein, etc, is sucked into the lymph tubes to be filtered by the spleen and the lymph nodes. The tubes are filled with countless one-way valves referred to collectively as the lymphatic pump, which propels the flow of lymph forwards. Lymph ultimately is collected in the main thoracic duct rising upwards in front of the spine to enter the bloodstream at the base of the neck.
A number of disorders may arise when the fluid becomes over-burdened by toxaemia, poor drainage and enlarged nodes (glands). Such un-eliminated wastes form cellulite – unwanted tissue formation and swelling. Thus, the soil may be prepared for various chronic illnesses from glandular disorders to arthritis. If the lymph is circulating freely it is almost impossible to become sick.
This system is capable of ingesting foreign particles and building up an immunity against future infection. Some herbal Lymphatics are also antimicrobials, natural alternatives to conventional antibiotics.
Treatment. Clivers is particularly relative to glandular swellings of neck and axillae.
For active inflammation: Echinacea, Goldenseal, Ginseng (Panax).
Alternatives. Teas: Clivers, Red Clover, Agnus Castus herb, Bladderwrack, Violet leaves, Marigold petals.
Decoctions: Blue Flag, Echinacea, Fenugreek seeds, Saw Palmetto.
Tablets/capsules. Agnus Castus, Echinacea, Bladderwrack, Red Clover, Thuja, Poke root, Fenugreek. Formula No 1. Echinacea 2; Clivers 1; Burdock 1; Poke root half. Dose: Liquid Extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.
Formula No 2. Equal parts: Blue Flag root, Poke root, Senna. Dose: as above.
Topical. Poultices: Slippery Elm, Fenugreek seeds, Marshmallow. Horsechestnut (Aesculus) ointment. ... lymphatic system
Lymphoid tumour associated with Epstein-Barr (EB) virus. Especially common in malaria endemic areas, such as Africa and Papua New Guinea. May be associated with the immunosuppressive effects of the malaria infection.... burkitt’s lymphoma
The central drainage and metabolic organs strung along the lymph vessels. The mesenchymal structure is native, being present at birth. The functional cells have all migrated there, some recently from the marrow, spleen, thymus or blood, others have resided since a few months after birth. Much of the antibody memory is stored in these nodes, and having only venous blood supply, lymph nodes are constantly shunting metabolized substances back into the blood, so the final lymph drainage from the thoracic duct into the left subclavian vein (or the right subclavian) contains fluid already screened and cleansed by many nodes.... lymph nodes
Surgical removal of the LYMPH NODES. The procedure is usually carried out when cancer has in?ltrated the nodes in the lymphatic drainage zone of an organ or tissue invaded by a malignant growth. RADIOTHERAPY or CHEMOTHERAPY may be given if laboratory tests show that the type or extent of spread of the cancer cells merits this.... lymphadenectomy
Lymphangiectasis means an abnormal dilatation of the lymph vessels, as in FILARIASIS.... lymphangiectasis
Vessels which convey the LYMPH. (For an account of their arrangement, see GLAND.)... lymphatics
An increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood (see LYMPHOCYTE) – for example, in response to viral infection or in chronic lymphocytic LEUKAEMIA.... lymphocytosis
Tissue involved in the formation of LYMPH, lymphocytes (see LYMPHOCYTE), and ANTIBODIES. It consists of the LYMPH NODES, THYMUS GLAND, TONSILS and SPLEEN.... lymphoid tissue
See LYMPHOCYTE.... t-lymphocyte
A cancer of lymph tissues that is characterized by tumours within the jaw and/or abdomen. It is confined almost exclusively to children living in low-lying, moist, tropical regions of Africa and New Guinea. Anticancer drugs or radiotherapy give complete or partial cure in about 80 per cent of cases. (See also lymphoma.)... burkitt’s lymphoma
A type of white blood cell that circulates through the body and is able to detect the presence of the foreign agents. Once exposed to an antigen on the agent, these cells differentiate into plasma cells to produce antibody.... b-lymphocyte (or b-cell)
Cleavers tea has been used for centuries, even in ancient Greece. It is considered probably the best tonic for the lymphatic system available. Discover all of its benefits and learn how to make the most of this type of tea.
Description of Cleavers tea
Cleavers is an annual green plant that grows mostly in Britain, North America and Eurasia regions. The green to white flowers look like small balls and they are very sticky, similar to the leaves.
Scientifically named gallium aparine, cleavers is also called bedstraw, barweed, catchweed, grip grass. The entire cleavers plant is used in herbal medicine and is harvested just before it blooms in early summer.
The active constituents of cleavers tea are chlorophyll, citric acide, rubichloric acid, galiosin and tannins. To benefit the most from these constituents, you can consume cleavers, usually found in the form of tea, extracts, capsule, or fresh for many cooking recipes. The roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute and the young leaves can be eaten like spinach.
Cleavers tea has a slightly bitter taste and no odor.
Cleavers tea brew
For a tasty Cleavers tea, take 2 to 3 teaspoons of the dried above-ground parts of the plant and infuse them in a 250 mg cup of hot water for 10 or 15 minutes. You may add sugar or honey to improve its taste and drink up to three times per day.
Cleavers tea Benefits
Cleavers tea is a strong detoxifying for the lymphatic system. It is diuretic, thus treating most of urinary tract infections.
It cleans the blood, the liver and kidneys. The tea can be used together with Uva Ursi or Echinacea for best results.
Applied topically, Cleavers tea helps in the treatment of many skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, itchy scalp, sunburns or even wounds.
Cleavers tea can be used as a facial tonner because it helps clear the complexion.
Cleavers tea Side effects
Cleavers tea has no known side effects. Though it is widely safe, children, pregnant or nursing women should drink it with precaution.
Cleavers tea can surely be included in a healthy lifestyle. As long as you don’t exaggerate with it, you can enjoy the benefits of this tea and even use the plant to prepare many tasty recipes and salads.... cleavers tea - best tonic for the lymphatic system available in nature
Another name for Hodgkin’s disease. (See LYMPHOMA.)... lymphadenoma
A venereal disease in which the chief characteristic is enlargement of glands in the groin – the infecting agent being a virus.... lymphogranuloma inguinale
Lymphokines are polypeptides that are produced by lymphocytes (see LYMPHOCYTE) as part of their immune response to an ANTIGEN; their function is to communicate with other cells of the immune system (see IMMUNITY). Some lymphokines stimulate B-cells to di?erentiate into antibody-producing plasma cells; others stimulate T-lymphocytes to proliferate; other lymphokines become interferons (see INTERFERON).... lymphokines
See LYMPHOMA.... malignant lymphoma
See KAWASAKI DISEASE.... mucocutaneous lymph nodesyndrome
See LYMPHOMA.... non-hodgkin’s lymphoma
See LYMPHOMA.... t-cell lymphoma
White blood cells that have matured in the thymus gland. There are at least two kinds of T-lymphocytes - helpers and suppressors. In AIDS, the number of helper cells is decreased.... t-lymphocytes (or t-cells)
See: LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. ... lymphadenitis - lymphadenoma
Traps in the lymphatic system that collect byproducts of body infection and which support the immune system in its role as body protector. ... lymph glands
Treatment: same as for Gonorrhoea. ... lymphogranuloma venereum (lgv)
An acute abdominal disorder, mainly affecting children, in which lymph nodes in the mesentery become inflamed. The main symptoms of pain and tenderness in the abdomen may mimic appendicitis. There may also be mild fever. Mesenteric lymphadenitis usually clears up rapidly, needing only analgesic drugs to reduce pain and fever.... mesenteric lymphadenitis
n. see lymphocyte.... b lymphocyte
a group of lymphomas in which abnormal T *lymphocytes are concentrated in the skin. The most common form is *mycosis fungoides.... cutaneous t-cell lymphoma
(lymphadeno-) combining form denoting lymph node(s).... lymphaden
(lymphangio-) combining form denoting a lymphatic vessel.... lymphangi
n. a rare malignant tumour of the lymphatic vessels. It is most commonly seen in the chronically swollen (oedematous) arms of women who have had a mastectomy for breast cancer and may be induced by radiation.... lymphangiosarcoma
combining form denoting lymph or the lymphatic system.... lympho
n. an abnormal cell present in the blood and the blood-forming organs in one type of leukaemia (lymphoblastic leukaemia). It has a large nucleus with very scanty cytoplasm and is thought to be the precursor of the lymphocyte. —lymphoblastic adj.... lymphoblast
(lymphocoele) n. a collection of lymph in the tissues, which follows injury to, or operations upon, lymph nodes or ducts.... lymphocele
n. see lymphopenia.... lymphocytopenia
n. see lymphangiography.... lymphography
n. a substance produced by lymphocytes that has effects on other cells involved in the immune system (see cytokines). An example is *interleukin 2 (IL-2).... lymphokine
(lymphocytopenia) n. a decrease in the number of *lymphocytes in the blood, which may occur in a wide variety of diseases.... lymphopenia
see Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia.... lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
n. the process of the production of *lymphocytes, which occurs in the *bone marrow as well as in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and gut wall. The precursor cell from which lymphocytes are derived has not yet been identified.... lymphopoiesis
n. the escape of the lymph from lymphatic vessels that have been injured.... lymphorrhagia
n. an imaging scan undertaken to identify the *sentinel lymph nodes, which receive lymph drainage from a tumour and are the first to show evidence of metastasis, and to differentiate these from disease-free nodes; this is in order to plan treatment options, particularly for melanoma and breast cancer management.... lymphoscintigraphy
n. a *lymphokine that lyses various cell types, including tumour cells.... lymphotoxin
the spread of cancer cells into lymphatic or blood vessels noted on histopathological analysis of a specimen taken at biopsy or after surgical resection. It is associated with a higher risk of lymph node involvement and distant metastases.... lymphovascular invasion
n. the presence in the urine of lymph.... lymphuria
a series of therapeutic movements, using massage, developed to enhance lymph drainage, alleviate swelling, and improve wound healing.... manual lymphatic drainage
see lymphoma.... non-hodgkin’s lymphoma
a transparent yellowish liquid produced in a wound or other site of inflammation, in which connective tissue cells and blood vessels develop during healing.... plastic lymph
the first lymph node to show evidence of metastasis (spread) of a malignant tumour (e.g. breast cancer) via the lymphatic system. Absence of cancer cells in the sentinel node indicates that more distal lymph nodes will also be free of metastasis. In breast cancer, the change in practice to perform axillary lymph node dissection only if the sentinel node contains metastatic tumour has reduced the risk of arm lymphoedema. Similarly, in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, the sentinel lymph node procedure is used as an alternative to neck dissection.... sentinel lymph node
enlargement of the thymus gland and other parts of the lymphatic system, formerly believed to be a predisposing cause to sudden death in infancy and childhood associated with hypersensitivity to drugs or vaccines.... status lymphaticus
(TIL) a lymphoid cell that can infiltrate solid tumours. Such cells can be cultured in vitro, in the presence of *interleukin 2, and have been used as vehicles for *tumour necrosis factor in gene therapy trials for cancer.... tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte
(XLP syndrome, Duncan’s disease) a hereditary disorder of the immune system caused by a defective *sex-linked gene carried on an *X chromosome. There is uncontrolled proliferation of B-*lymphocytes in response to infection by the Epstein-Barr virus, which can lead to fulminating hepatitis or lymphoma. This condition is due to a defect in a gene, SAP, which encodes a signalling molecule found in the cytoplasm of cells.... x-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome
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