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Lymphatic System: Difference between revisions
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At the cellular level, the lymphatic system is a pathway through which fluid flows from the intercellular spaces into the blood. The lymphatic system includes lymph, lymphocytes, lymph vessels, lymph nodules, lymph nodes, tonsils, [[Spleen]] and thymus gland. Part of the body’s defense system, the lymph nodes filter lymph and the spleen filters blood, removing microorganisms and other foreign substances. The lymph nodes act as a filtration system that keeps particulate matter such as bacteria from entering the bloodstream. They produce both lymphocytes and monocytes. Lymph tissue contains lymphocytes and other cells that can destroy microorganisms and foreign substances. | At the cellular level, the lymphatic system is a pathway through which fluid flows from the intercellular spaces into the blood. The lymphatic system includes lymph, lymphocytes, lymph vessels, lymph nodules, lymph nodes, tonsils, [[Spleen]] and thymus gland. Part of the body’s defense system, the lymph nodes filter lymph and the spleen filters blood, removing microorganisms and other foreign substances. The lymph nodes act as a filtration system that keeps particulate matter such as bacteria from entering the bloodstream. They produce both lymphocytes and monocytes. Lymph tissue contains lymphocytes and other cells that can destroy microorganisms and foreign substances. | ||
==Brain to Lymph== | |||
Scientists discovered that the brains of mice contain functional lymphatic vessels that can carry fluid and immune cells from cerebrospinal fluid. | |||
Further work will explore whether problems in this system might play a role in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, meningitis, and multiple sclerosis. | |||
Fluids move throughout the body via several paths. The cardiovascular system circulates blood, nutrients, and gases throughout the body. The lymphatic system carries white blood cells and other immune cells through a network of vessels and tissues, including lymph nodes. The lymphatic system also serves as a connection between tissues and the bloodstream, performing several functions such as removing dead blood cells and other waste. | |||
The brain, part of the central nervous system, has blood vessels but has been thought to lack lymphatic vessels, as they'ympve never been found. Researchers recently discovered a series of channels that surround blood vessels within the brains of mice. This system, managed by the brains glial cells, was termed the glymphatic system. It moves cerebrospinal fluid, a clear liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, quickly and deeply thoughout the brain, removing waste.The discovery of a pathway for immune cells to exit the central nervous system raises the question of whether disruption of this route may be involved in neurological disorders that are associated with immune system dysfunction, such as multiple sclerosis, meningitis, and Alzheimer’s disease.<ref>[source nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/lymphatic-vessels-discovered-central-nervous-system Lymph CNS discovery]</ref> | |||