rasvajärjestelmän

Radvajaärjestelmä refers to the lymphatic system in Finnish. It is a crucial part of the circulatory system and the immune system. The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels, lymph nodes, and organs such as the spleen, thymus, and tonsils. Its primary functions include collecting excess fluid, known as lymph, from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream, absorbing fats from the digestive system, and playing a vital role in the body's defense against pathogens.

Lymph is a clear to yellowish fluid that bathes the body's cells. It contains white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, which are essential for fighting infections. As lymph travels through the lymphatic vessels, it passes through lymph nodes, which act as filters, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. Immune cells within the lymph nodes then destroy these harmful agents.

The lymphatic system's role in fat absorption is also significant. Specialized lymphatic vessels in the small intestine, called lacteals, absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins, transporting them to the bloodstream. The spleen filters blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells and housing immune cells. The thymus is essential for the maturation of T-lymphocytes, a key type of immune cell. The tonsils, located in the throat, are also lymphoid tissues that help to trap and destroy pathogens entering the body through the mouth or nose. Disruptions to the lymphatic system can lead to conditions like lymphedema, swelling caused by fluid buildup.