limfa

Limfa is the clear, colorless or pale yellow fluid that circulates within the lymphatic system. It originates as interstitial fluid that enters lymphatic capillaries and is transported through progressively larger lymphatic vessels, eventually delivering its contents back to the venous circulation.

The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic vessels and lymphoid organs. Primary lymphoid organs, such as bone marrow and the thymus, generate and mature lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, including lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, filter lymph and coordinate immune responses.

Lymph composition and transport: Lymph is mainly water with dissolved proteins, electrolytes, and cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages. In the digestive tract, lipids absorbed by intestinal lacteals form chyle, a milky lymphatic fluid rich in chylomicrons. Lymph moves through vessels aided by valves, smooth muscle in the vessel walls, skeletal muscle contractions, breathing, and arterial pulsations, and it drains into the venous system via the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct.

Functions: Limfa helps maintain tissue fluid balance by returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream, participates in immune surveillance by transporting immune cells and antigens to lymph nodes, and enables the absorption of dietary fats through intestinal lacteals.

Clinical notes: Disorders can include lymphedema (swelling due to impaired lymph drainage), lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), lymphangitis (inflammation of lymphatic vessels), and lymphoma (cancer of lymphoid cells). Diagnostic approaches may involve imaging techniques such as lymphoscintigraphy and biopsy of lymphoid tissue.