The lymphatic system is the structure that supports the lymph. It is composed of organs, lymph nodes, conductors and lymphatic vessels.
What is lymph?
It is a clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic vessels. It is very rich in protein and its main functions are are interstitial fluid drainage, fat transport and immune response.
Lymph transport begins in the lymphatic capillaries, fine vessels that communicate with the cells. As they go deeper, the capillaries become larger and are called lymphatic vessels.
Functions of lymph
Lymph performs some important functions in the body:
- When lymph is transported through the lymphatic vessels, it carries with it nutrients, vitamins and other substances that reach the blood circulation.
- This transport also allows you to take those elements that are left over. Lymph eliminates them by transporting them from the tissues to the kidneys and liver.
- It is also actively involved in the defense of the immune system, as it is composed of cells and proteins such as lymphocytes and antibodies.
- Lymph can aid in the development of diseases such as cancer by transporting tumor cells to the lymph nodes.
What are lymphatic vessels?
Lymphatic vessels are the tubes through which lymph circulates. Transport occurs through different organs such as the bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen, which are involved in the production and storage of immune system cells.
What are lymph nodes?
They are very small nodules found on the neck, groin, armpits, chest and abdomen.
They are responsible for producing immune cells to fight infections that attack the body.
Functions of the lymphatic system
Among the most important functions of the lymphatic system are to drain interstitial fluid and return it to the blood, to protect and eliminate foreign substances through the immune response, and to transport fats from food into the blood.
However, not all fat is eliminated. Sometimes, it is stored in areas of the body more predisposed to it or retained in the form of liquids.
However, these fats can be mobilized by increasing lymphatic circulation, for example, by massaging the affected areas with gentle, repetitive movements.
Lymphatic drainage
It is the technique indicated to mobilize the lymph and eliminate toxins, retained liquids and fats. Lymphatic drainage eliminates retained fluid, but not fat. This must first be dissolved before it can be transported for disposal.
Therefore, lymphatic drainage is a therapy that must be combined with treatments that allow fat dissolution.
Lymphatic drainage is not only used in aesthetic medicine, as it also has medical and therapeutic applications in patients with injuries.
Some people, with serious diseases or other pathologies, should not have lymphatic drainage. It is advisable to consult a doctor first.
Commitment to quality
This text on the lymphatic system has been written by professional editors and reviewed by Sisneo’s medical-aesthetic team. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following references:
- Cueni LN, Detmar M. «The lymphatic system in health and disease» en Lymphat Res Biol. 2008;6(3-4):109-22. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2008.1008. PMID: 19093783; PMCID: PMC3572233.
- Escobedo N, Oliver G. «The lymphatic vasculature: its role in adipose metabolism and obesity» en Cell Metab. (2017) 26:598–609. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2017.07.020
