What is the lymph system?
The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It helps the body fight disease and sickness. The lymphatic system consists of a series of thin tubes and clusters of lymph nodes throughout the body. These tubes carry fluid, called lymph, through the lymph nodes and back into the bloodstream. This colorless, watery fluid is rich in white blood cells. Lymphocytes are the main type of cells. They help the body fight off infection. A lymph node is about the size of a pea and has large numbers of lymphocytes. Groups of lymph nodes are found in the abdomen, chest, groin, and neck. Some of the body’s internal organs are also part of the lymphatic system. These organs are the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and tonsils.
Picture taken from Millers Anatomy of the Dog, Second Edition. W.B. Saunders Company. The lymph system is represented by a network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes through which foreign proteins and disease organisms are circulated. The lymph nodes serve as immune system centers where these foreign substances may be presented to the cells of the immune system. There are many different types of immune-related cells; some produce anti-bodies, some circulate and destroy the foreign materials they encounter, some regulate the activity of other cells. “Lymphocytes” are the primary cells of the lymph system and they act in the various ways mentioned. The lymph vessels serve as a circulatory path for lymphocytes in addition to serving as a collection system directing foreign substances toward the lymph nodes. Lymph vessels interface with the blood stream at several areas allowing lymphocytes greater area to patrol. WHAT IS CANCER? Cancer occurs when a normal cell goes wrong. Its normal re
The lymph system is important in your body’s defense against infection. It is made up of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. The lymph vessels collect fluid and protein from surrounding body tissues. This fluid then goes through the lymph nodes, which act to filter out and trap bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other unwanted substances. Lymph nodes can be found clustered in various parts of the body, including the neck, axilla (underarm area) and groin. What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy? The sentinel lymph node biopsy is an alternative to the axillary lymph node dissection when all of the lymph nodes are removed. The sentinel lymph node is the first node or nodes that are “standing guard” for your breast. If cancer cells are breaking away from the tumor and traveling through the lymph system, the sentinel node(s) are the first lymph nodes to which cancer would spread. In a sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer, your surgeon looks under the arm (axilla) for the first lymph node(s) th
