Why is the lymph system important?
Tissue fluid constantly washes in and out of the cells of the body. This fluid brings fuel and food to the cell and takes away waste products. About 90% of this fluid is filtered by a network of tiny blood vessels. The other 10% is made up of large proteins and other particles that are too big to get into the capillaries. The body has a special transport system called the lymphatic system for these large proteins and fluid. It is made up of a series of collecting tubes that get larger and larger until they become ducts that empty into the bloodstream. The fluid called lymph, passes through nodes where harmful bacteria and viruses are removed. You may have felt these nodes in your neck or underarms when you have an infection or illness.
Tissue fluid constantly washes in and out of the cells of the body. This fluid brings fuel and food to the cell and takes away waste products. About 90% of this fluid is filtered by a network of tiny blood vessels. The other 10% is made up of large proteins and other particles that are too big to get into the capillaries. The body has a special transport system called the Lymphatic System for these large proteins and fluid. It is made up of a series of collecting tubes that get larger and larger until they become ducts that empty into the bloodstream. The fluid called Lymph, passes through nodes where harmful bacteria and viruses are removed. You may have felt these nodes in your neck or underarms when you have an infection or illness. You may notice gradual swelling of the hands, arms, feet or legs. It may be very slight for a long time and then become worse. It can also happen years after cancer treatment. The findings in this condition include: • You are not able to wear regular clo
