THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM A competent therapist needs to understand the connection between blood and lymph in order to understand how treatments benefit a client

THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM One way drainage system Allows for the drainage of tissue fluid Transports the excess tissue fluid back into the venous system. >lymph

LYMPH Transparent, colourless, watery fluid Similar to blood plasma but contains fewer proteins. Only contains one type of cell; called ‘Lymphocytes’ >lymph formation

LYMPH FORMATION

LYMPH FORMATION Blood plasma leaks out into the tissue spaces and is now known as tissue fluid Bathes the cells with nutrients and picks up waste materials. Tissue fluid collected up in the lymph capillaries and is now known as lymph Lymph follows the lymphatic pathways and is returned to the blood system via the sub-clavian veins. >lymph structures

LYMPHATIC STRUCTURES Lymph capillaries Lymph vessels Lymph nodes Lymph collecting ducts >lymph capillaries

LYMPH CAPILLARIES Blind-end tubes in the tissue spaces. Walls are one cell thick to allow the fluid to pass through. Form a network in the tissue spaces to remove waste products and excess fluid. >lymph vessels

LYMPH VESSELS Larger than capillaries. Have collapsible walls. Transport lymph through its circulatory pathway. Carry lymph under steady pressure. Contain valves to prevent backflow. >lymph nodes

LYMPH NODES Oval or bean-shaped structure covered in a capsule of connective tissue. Filter and cleanse lymph through the action of monocytes and lymphocytes. Found in groups along lymph vessels. Swollen lymph nodes indicate that they are actively fighting infection.

LYMPHATIC DUCTS The lymph vessels join to form two large lymphatic ducts. Right lymphatic duct drains the lymph from the right side of the head and neck and the right arm. Left lymphatic duct collects from the rest of the body and the left side of the head and neck They drain their lymph into the right or left subclavian veins.

FUNCTIONS OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM To drain excess fluid and waste from the tissues To fight infection by destroying invading micro-organisms and producing white blood cells and antibodies. Absorption of fat from the intestine to the liver.

FACTORS AFFECTING LYMPH DRAINAGE General blood circulation - a good strong circulation ensures that the flow of tissue fluid into the lymph vessels is maintained. Exercise - the action of the muscles speeds up the movement of lymph through the vessels. Massage - enhances the drainage by forcing the movement of lymph through the vessels

BENEFITS OF EFFICIENT LYMPH DRAINAGE Enhances the appearance of skin by removing waste material allowing the tissues to function efficiently. Enhances the performance of muscle tissue by improving the internal environment, supplying fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients and removing waste.

Lymph nodes of the head and neck

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