The lymph system is our body's front line defense against infection, disease, cancer.
This is also the reason those of us with lymphedema are so susceptible to cellulitis and other fections associated with lymphedema]]
A limb afflicted with lymphedema is considered to be immunocompromised due to the malfunction of the lymph system
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is composed of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and organs. The functions of this system include the absorption of excess fluid and its return to the blood stream, absorption of fat (in the villi of the small intestine) and the immune system function.
Lymph vessels are closely associated with the circulatory system vessels. Larger lymph vessels are similar to veins. Lymph capillaries are scatted throughout the body. Contraction of skeletal muscle causes movement of the lymph fluid through valves.
Lymph organs include the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus. Bone marrow contains tissue that produces lymphocytes. B-lymphocytes (B-cells) mature in the bone marrow. T lymphocytes (T-cells) mature in the thymus gland. Other blood cells such as monocytes and leukocytes are produced in the bone marrow. Lymph nodes are areas of concentrated lymphocytes and macrophages along the lymphatic veins. The spleen is similar to the lymph node except that it is larger and filled with blood. The spleen serves as a reservoir for blood, and filters or purifies the blood and lymph fluid that flows through it. If the spleen is damaged or removed, the individual is more susceptible to infections. The thymus secretes a hormone, thymosin, that causes pre-T-cells to mature (in the thymus) into T-cells.
Immunity
Immunity is the body's capability to repel foreign substances and cells. The nonspecific responses are the first line of defense. Highly specific responses are the second line of defense and are tailored to an individual threat. The immune response includes both specific and nonspecific components. Nonspecific responses block the entry and spread of disease-causing agents. Antibody-mediated and cell-mediated responses are two types of specific response. The immune system is associated with defense against disease-causing agents, problems in transplants and blood transfusions, and diseases resulting from over-reaction (autoimmune, allergies) and under-reaction (AIDS).
Autoimmune Disorders In autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy organs and tissues as though they were foreign invaders. Some examples of autoimmune diseases:
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic disease marked by muscle and joint pain and inflammation. The abnormal immune response may also involve attacks on the kidneys and other organs.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the body's [[glossary:immune system|immune system acts as though certain body parts such as the joints of the knee, hand, and foot are foreign tissue and attacks them.
Scleroderma Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to inflammation and damage of the skin, joints, and internal organs.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that involves inflammation of the spine and joints, causing stiffness and pain.
Juvenile dermatomyositis
Juvenile dermatomyositis is a disorder marked by inflammation and damage of the skin and muscles.
The lymph system is our body's front line defense against infection, disease, cancer.
This is also the reason those of us with lymphedema are so susceptible to cellulitis and other fections associated with lymphedema]]
A limb afflicted with lymphedema is considered to be immunocompromised due to the malfunction of the lymph system
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is composed of lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and organs. The functions of this system include the absorption of excess fluid and its return to the blood stream, absorption of fat (in the villi of the small intestine) and the immune system function.
Lymph vessels are closely associated with the circulatory system vessels. Larger lymph vessels are similar to veins. Lymph capillaries are scatted throughout the body. Contraction of skeletal muscle causes movement of the lymph fluid through valves.
Lymph organs include the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus. Bone marrow contains tissue that produces lymphocytes. B-lymphocytes (B-cells) mature in the bone marrow. T lymphocytes (T-cells) mature in the thymus gland. Other blood cells such as monocytes and leukocytes are produced in the bone marrow. Lymph nodes are areas of concentrated lymphocytes and macrophages along the lymphatic veins. The spleen is similar to the lymph node except that it is larger and filled with blood. The spleen serves as a reservoir for blood, and filters or purifies the blood and lymph fluid that flows through it. If the spleen is damaged or removed, the individual is more susceptible to infections. The thymus secretes a hormone, thymosin, that causes pre-T-cells to mature (in the thymus) into T-cells.
Immunity
Immunity is the body's capability to repel foreign substances and cells. The nonspecific responses are the first line of defense. Highly specific responses are the second line of defense and are tailored to an individual threat. The immune response includes both specific and nonspecific components. Nonspecific responses block the entry and spread of disease-causing agents. Antibody-mediated and cell-mediated responses are two types of specific response. The immune system is associated with defense against disease-causing agents, problems in transplants and blood transfusions, and diseases resulting from over-reaction (autoimmune, allergies) and under-reaction (AIDS).
Autoimmune Disorders
In autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy organs and tissues as though they were foreign invaders. Some examples of autoimmune diseases:
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic disease marked by muscle and joint pain and inflammation. The abnormal immune response may also involve attacks on the kidneys and other organs.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the body's [[glossary:immune system|immune system acts as though certain body parts such as the joints of the knee, hand, and foot are foreign tissue and attacks them.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to inflammation and damage of the skin, joints, and internal organs.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that involves inflammation of the spine and joints, causing stiffness and pain.
Juvenile dermatomyositis
Juvenile dermatomyositis is a disorder marked by inflammation and damage of the skin and muscles.