Lymfatiehiä

Lymfatiehiä is a Finnish term that translates to "lymphatic vessels" or "lymph vessels" in English. These are the vessels that form the lymphatic system, a crucial part of the circulatory system and the immune system. Lymphatic vessels are responsible for transporting lymph, a fluid containing white blood cells, throughout the body.

The lymphatic system works in parallel with the blood circulatory system. Unlike blood vessels, which form a closed loop, the lymphatic system is more like a network of one-way streets. Lymphatic vessels begin as tiny capillaries in the tissues, collecting excess fluid, proteins, and other substances that leak out of blood capillaries. This fluid, now called lymph, is then transported through progressively larger vessels.

Along the path of lymphatic vessels are lymph nodes, which act as filters. Immune cells within the lymph nodes, such as lymphocytes, identify and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. The lymph then continues its journey towards the heart, eventually returning to the bloodstream.

The lymphatic vessels are essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body, absorbing fats from the digestive system, and playing a vital role in the immune response. Any disruption to their function can lead to conditions like lymphedema, characterized by swelling.