Lymph

LYMPH FLUID
Gayathri. G
Gowrie sangkar. S.R
Hariharan. R
Harini. M
Karparatchaka. R
III Bsc Biochemistry & DMLT
INTRODUCTION:
• The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels, and
organs that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid
called LYMPH and back into your circulatory system.
• These helps to maintain the body’s fluid balance and protects
it from pathogens.
• They are found at varies points around the body, including
the throat, armpits, chest, abdomen, and groin.
• There are 500-600 lymph nodes throughout the body. These
nodes swell in response to infections due to a buildup of
lymph fluid, bacteria or other organisms and immune cells.
• The lymphatic system consists of Lymph, Lymph capillaries,
Lymph vessels, Lymph nodes, Lymph ducts consisting of
thoracic and right lymphatic duct, and associated lymphatic
tissue.
• It is a type of drainage system of the human body through
which the lymphatic fluid rushes from one part to other part
and bathes the cells by passing through the intercellular
spaces.
COMPOSITION:
• Cellular components : Lymphocytes (1500-2700/mm3)
• Non cellular components : water ( 95%) , solid matter ( 5%)
• Organic : Nitrogenous waste : urea and creatinine
Protein : Fibrinogen , Globulins , Albumins .
Starch : Glucose
Lipid : Cholesterol
• Inorganic : Chloride Phosphorous Calcium
• Antibodies and enzymes , It is rich in fats
Volume :
• In an adult the normal level is less than 150ml of free fluid in

the abdomen.
• Normal flow of lymph into the thoracic duct is about 800 to
1000ml per day.
• An average human body contains approximately 12L of
interstitial fluid and produces 8 to 12L of lymph each day,
• 4 to 8L of lymph are reabsorbed by the lymph nodes:The
remaining 4L are returned to blood circulation via the
lymphatic vessels.
Formation of lymph:
• Lymph is formed from tissue fluid, anything that increases
amount of tissue fluid, will increase the rate of lymph
formation.
• Various mechanism:
• Filtration from plasma normally exceeds resorption leading
to net formation of tissue fluid.
• Increase in interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure favouring the
movement of tissue fluid into lymphatic capillary forming
lymph.
Flow of lymph:
• Fluid pressure in lymphatic system is very low as in veins
• Lymphatic fluid flows from the lower extremities, the liver,
and intestine to the thoracic duct,
• Which is the main channel for lymphatic drainage.
• The thoracic duct drains into the subclavian vein on the left
side.
Functions of lymphatic system:
• FLUID BALANCE :
 The lymphatic system returns excess fluid and proteins

from the tissue that cannot return through the blood vessel.
 The fluid often collects in the tiny space surrounding
cells, known as the interstitial spaces.
 Small lymph capillaries connect these spaces to the
lymphatic system.
 The distribution of fluid processing can result in
localized swelling known as Lymphedema
ABSORPTION :
• The lymphatic system plays a key role in the intestinal
function. It assists in transporting fat, fighting infections and
removing excess fluid.
• Part of the gut membrane in the small intestine contains
tiny finger like protrusions called villi. Each villus contains tiny
lymph capillaries known as lacteals.
• These absorbs fats and fat soluble vitamins to form a
milky white fluid called chyle .
• Blood capillaries take up other nutrients directly.
THE IMMUNE SYSTEM :
• The lymph node is to defend the body from exposure to
potentially hazardous micro organisms such as infections.
• The body’s first line of defense involves : Physical barrier
such as skin, Toxic barriers such as acidic contents of the
stomach.
Lymphatic system fight against infections
• The lymphatic system produces white blood cells called
Lymphocytes. There are 2 types of lymphocytes : T cells , B cells
• Both travels through the lymphatic system
• As they reaches the lymph nodes they come into contact with
viruses, bacteria, and foreign particles in the fluid
• Lymphocytes form antibodies and start to defend the body. They
can produce antibodies from memory if they have already
encountered the specific pathogen in the past
• The lymphatic system and the action of lymphocytes form part of
the bodys adaptive immune response. These are highly specific
and long lasting responses to particular pathogens.
Lymph circulation :
Lymphatic capillary
Lymphatic vessel
Lymphatic node
Lymphatic trunk
Subclavian vein
Other lymphatic tissues
• THYMUS GLAND :
The Thymus gland is a lymphatic organ
and an endocrine gland behind the sternum. It secrets
hormones and is crucial to the production , maturation and
differentiation of immune cells .
• TONSILS:
The Tonsils produce lymphocytes and antibodies.
They can help to protect against inhaled and swallowed
foreign bodies .
• SPLEEN :
The spleen is not part of connected lymphatic
system but it is lymphoid tissue .
It produces WBCs and filters the blood to remove
microbes as well as old and damaged RBC and platelets.
• BONE MARROW:
Bone marrow is not a lymphatic tissue but its a part
a lymphatic system because it is here that the B cell
lymphocytes of the immune system mature.
Why do lymph node swells
• Lymph nodes can swell for 2 reasons : a reaction to an infection
and direct infection of the lymph nodes
• Swollen lymph nodes can be symptom of numerous conditions
• GRANDULAR FEVER: Also known as infectious
Mononucleosis
• This is a viral infection that can be cause long lasting swelling , a
sore throat and fatigue .
• TONSILLITIS : Cluster of lymphatic tissue just under the mucous
membrane that lines the nose , mouth, and pharynx called Tonsils
• There are 3 groups of Tonsils : PHARYNGEAL , PALATINE ,
LINGUAL.
• This is more common in children than in adults . It occurs
when the lymph nodes at the back of the mouth are fighting an
infection , usually viral sometimes bacterial.
• LYMPHANGIOMA : Lymphangioma is a swelling or mass
that occurs mainly in the head , neck and mouth .
• The swelling is made up of one or many fluid sacs that are
caused by a problem with the lymphatic system.
• Lymphangioma is known as lymphatic malformations. These
are associated with cancer .
• It is described as a somatic mutations meaning that it affects
the genes but is not an inherited condition
• Lymphangiomas can be also occur as part of another condition,
including:
- Noonan syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Down syndrome
LYMPHOCYTOENIA:
• Lymphocytopenia also referred to as lymphopenia, occurs
when the lymphocyte count in your blood is lower than usual.
• Severe or chronic low counts can indicate a possible infection
or other illness and should be investigated by physician.
CANCER AND TREATMENT OF CANCER:
• Cancer, especially blood or lymphatic cancers like lymphoma
such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Kapesi sarcoma and leukemia,
can result in low lymphocytic levels.
• The following cancer treatments may also result in
lymphocytopenia:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
LYMPHEDEMA:
• Lymphedema may be defined as abnormal limb swelling
caused by the accumulation of increased amounts of high
protein ISF secondary to defective lymphatic drainage in the
presence of normal net capillary filtration.
SYMPTOMS:
• Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg
• A feeling of heaviness or tightness
• Recurring infections
• Hardening of the skin
• Fever
• Cough
• Running nose
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Painful joints
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
DIAGNOSIS:
• Complete blood count (CBC) can be preferred and determine
the lymphatic level
• Physician may also recommend a special blood test called
lymphatic profile, to determine the counts of T, B and NK
cells in the body
• Imaging tests may also be used to help diagnose and monitor
lymphedema
• Lymphangiography- X ray examination of the vessels of the
lymphatic system
• MRI scan, ultrasound, CT scan are done to diagnose.
TREATMENT:
• Lymphatic massage
• Compression bandages
• Compression garments
• Skin care and hygiene
• Exercise instruction a needled
• Antiretroviral combination therapy for HIV
• Bone marrow stem cell transplant
• Gamma globulin to help prevent infection that can occur due to
B cell lymphocytopenia
• Other antiviral agents, antibiotics, antifungals or antiparasitic
drugs to treat specific infections.

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LYMPH FLUID

• In an adult the normal level is less than 150ml of free fluid in

 The lymphatic system returns excess fluid and proteins

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