lümfivõrkudes

Lümfivõrkudes, also known as the lymphatic system, is a network of vessels and nodes that play a crucial role in the immune system and the body's fluid balance. It is composed of a vast network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and other lymphatic organs. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to drain excess fluid from the body tissues, returning it to the bloodstream. This process is essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and preventing edema.

The lymphatic system also serves as a critical component of the immune system. Lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped structures, filter lymph fluid and trap pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. When an infection is detected, the lymph nodes produce lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help fight the infection. The lymphatic system also plays a role in the absorption of fat from the digestive system, particularly in the intestinal lymphatics.

The lymphatic system is divided into two main parts: the deep lymphatic system, which is closely associated with the blood vessels, and the superficial lymphatic system, which lies just beneath the skin. The deep lymphatic system includes the cisterna chyli, which collects lymph from the lower limbs, and the thoracic duct, which collects lymph from the upper body. The superficial lymphatic system includes the lymph vessels that drain the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Disorders of the lymphatic system can lead to various health problems, including lymphedema, a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid in the body's tissues, often leading to swelling. Other conditions include lymphangitis, an infection of the lymphatic vessels, and lymphoma, a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. Proper maintenance of the lymphatic system is essential for overall health and well-being.