imujärjestelmään

Imujärjestelmään refers to the lymphatic system in Finnish. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. It transports lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow.

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that filter lymph and trap foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. The spleen filters blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells, and also plays a role in immune responses. The thymus is important for the development of T-cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for immunity. Bone marrow produces all blood cells, including lymphocytes.

Key functions of the lymphatic system include fluid balance, fat absorption, and immune defense. It helps maintain the correct fluid levels in the body by returning excess fluid from tissues back to the bloodstream. It also absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system. Most importantly, it is a vital part of the immune system, identifying and fighting off infections and diseases. When an infection occurs, lymph nodes can swell as they work to filter out the pathogens.