Limfo

Limfo is the lymph, a clear to pale yellow fluid that circulates within the lymphatic system. It is formed from interstitial fluid that filters out of capillaries and enters lymphatic vessels in most tissues. Lymph is then transported through progressively larger lymphatic vessels and filtered as it passes through lymph nodes.

Lymph contains immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, as well as proteins and, in the digestive tract, absorbed fats carried by chyle. Its composition varies with tissue activity and immune status. The lymphatic network begins with blind-ended capillaries in nearly all tissues, advances into collecting vessels with valves to prevent backflow, and culminates in larger trunks that drain into the thoracic duct or the right lymphatic duct, which empty into the subclavian veins to rejoin the bloodstream.

Functions of limfo include maintaining fluid balance by returning excess tissue fluid to the bloodstream, aiding in the absorption of dietary fats from the intestines (via lacteals), and supporting immune defense by transporting lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells to lymph nodes where immune responses can be initiated.

Clinical notes: Disruption of lymphatic flow can lead to lymphedema, characterized by swelling and increased infection risk. Lymph nodes can become inflamed (lymphadenitis) or enlarge due to infection or malignancy. Cancers arising from lymphoid tissue are called lymphomas. In Portuguese and Spanish, limfo is the term for lymph; in English, the corresponding term is lymph. See also lymphatic system, lymph node, thoracic duct, and lacteals.