3. Introduction
The lymphatic system is a network of lymphatic
vessels and lymph nodes in different areas of body that
maintains normal haemostasis.
It returns fluids that have leaked from the blood
vascular system back to the blood to maintain the
blood volume.
Consists of:
Lymph
Lymphatic vessels
Lymph nodes
Lymphoid organs and tissues
4. Functions of lymphatic vessels
It returns protein rich fluid to circulation that
leaked around cells thus resolving edema
formation.
Absorbs fats from digestive system and transports
them to circulatory system.
Filters dead cells , infectious organisms from tissue
fluid. After filtering returns to circulatory system.
5. lymphangitis
It refers to acute inflammatory process of lymphatic vessels caused
by bacteria specially streptococcal infection of skin, viruses(CMV),
fungi or parasites.
Other risk factors:
Insect bite
Skin infections such as cellulitis
Infected surgical wound
Fungal skin infection
Low immunity due to chemotherapy drugs ,
diabetes etc
Signs symptoms :
Red streaks
fever with chills
Pain
Enlarged and tender lymph nodes
If untreated can lead to sepsis bacterimia
6. lymphadenopathy
Refers to enlarged lymph nodes.
May be localized or generalized.
Localized
local infection i:e infected spot on scalp causes
lymph nodes in the neck on same side to swell.
Generalized
Systemic infection of body such as syphilis.
Causes
Infections, autoimmune disease, malignancy
Symptoms
Buboes may become necrotic or even rupture.
7. lymphedema
It is an abnormal swelling of limb due to collection of
excessive amount of high protein fluid secondary to
defective lymphatic system.
Symptoms:
Pain in limb
Burning sensation n limbs
General tiredness
Immobility
8. classification
Primary
Cause not known but presumed to be
congenital.
Secondary
Due to inflammation, malignancy, parasitic
infections (filariasis caused by W.bancrofti).
