The spleen is located in the upper left part of the belly under the ribcage. It helps protect the body by clearing worn-out red blood cells and other foreign bodies such as germs from the bloodstream. The spleen is part of the lymphatic system , which is an extensive drainage network. The lymphatic lim-FAT-ik system works to keep body fluid levels in balance and to defend the body against infections.
It is made up of a network of lymphatic vessels that carry lymph — a clear, watery fluid that contains proteins, salts, and other substances — throughout the body. The spleen acts as a filter. It weeds out old and damaged cells and helps control the amount of blood and blood cells that circulate in the body.
The spleen also helps get rid of germs. The remainder becomes lymph, according to the Mayo Clinic. Unlike blood, which flows throughout the body in a continue loop, lymph flows in only one direction — upward toward the neck. Lymphatic vessels connect to two subclavian veins, which are located on either sides of the neck near the collarbones, and the fluid re-enters the circulatory system, according to the Mayo Clinic. Diseases and disorders of the lymphatic system are typically treated by immunologists.
Vascular surgeons, dermatologists, oncologists and physiatrists also get involved in treatment of various lymphatic ailments. There are also lymphedema therapists who specialize in the manual drainage of the lymphatic system. The most common diseases of the lymphatic system are enlargement of the lymph nodes also known as lymphadenopathy , swelling due to lymph node blockage also known as lymphedema and cancers involving the lymphatic system, according to Dr.
James Hamrick, chief of medical oncology and hematology at Kaiser Permanente in Atlanta. When bacteria are recognized in the lymph fluid, the lymph nodes make more infection-fighting white blood cells, which can cause swelling. The swollen nodes can sometimes be felt in the neck, underarms and groin, according to the NLM. Lymphadenopathy is usually caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer. Infections that cause lymphadenopathy include bacterial infections such as strep throat, locally infected skin wounds, or viral infections such as mononucleosis or HIV infection, Hamrick stated.
In some areas of the body the enlarged lymph nodes are palpable, while others are to deep to feel and can be seen on CT scan or MRI. Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions occur when a person's immune system is active, and can result in enlargement of lymph nodes. This can happen in lupus, according to Hamrick. This refers to cancer of the lymph nodes. It occurs when lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably.
There are a number of different types of lymphoma, according to Dr. Jeffrey P. Sharman , director of research at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and medical director of hematology research for the U. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.
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Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. The lymphatic system and fluid balance Lymphatic vessels Spleen Thymus Other lymphoid tissue Lymph nodes Common problems involving the lymphatic system Where to get help. The main roles of the lymphatic system include: managing the fluid levels in the body reacting to bacteria dealing with cancer cells dealing with cell products that otherwise would result in disease or disorders absorbing some of the fats in our diet from the intestine.
The lymphatic system and fluid balance The blood in our blood vessels is under constant pressure. Lymphatic vessels The lymphatic vessels are found everywhere in our body. Spleen The spleen is located in the abdominal tummy area on the left side, just under the diaphragm. Thymus The thymus is inside the ribcage, just behind the breastbone. Other lymphoid tissue Much of our digestive and respiratory system is lined with lymphatic tissue. Lymph nodes Lymph nodes are filters.
Common problems involving the lymphatic system Common problems involving the lymphatic system can be separated into those related to: infection disease destruction or damage to the lymphatic system or its nodes. Those related to malformation or destruction or damage to the lymphatic system or its nodes include: primary lymphoedema — when the lymphatic system has not formed properly.
Now, they are equipped to spread the immune response throughout the body, through the blood circulation. The lymphatic system can stop working properly if nodes, ducts, vessels, or lymph tissues become blocked, infected, inflamed, or cancerous.
Cancer that starts in the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. It is the most serious lymphatic disease. Hodgkin lymphoma affects a specific type of white blood cell known as Reed-Sternberg cells.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma refers to types that do not involve these cells. Cancer that affects the lymphatic system is usually a secondary cancer. This means it has spread from a primary tumor , such as the breast, to nearby or regional lymph nodes. Sometimes, a lymph node swells because it becomes infected. The nodes may fill with pus , creating an abscess. The skin over the nodes may be red or streaky. Localized lymphadenitis affects the nodes near the infection, for example, as a result of tonsilitis.
Generalized lymphadenitis can happen when a disease spreads through the bloodstream and affects the whole body. Causes range from sepsis to an upper respiratory tract infection. If the lymphatic system does not work properly, for example, if there is an obstruction, fluid may not drain effectively. As the fluid builds up, this can lead to swelling, for example in an arm or leg.
This is lymphedema. The skin may feel tight and hard, and skin problems may occur. In some cases, fluid may leak through the skin. Obstruction can result from surgery, radiation therapy , injury, a condition known as lymphatic filariasis, or—rarely—a congenital disorder.
Reaction to an infection : The lymph nodes react when foreign material is presented to immune cells through the lymph that is drained from infected tissue. Direct infection of the lymph nodes : The nodes can become infected and inflamed as a result of certain infections that need prompt antibiotic treatment. This is lymphadenitis. Most people who have swollen glands with a cold or flu do not need to see a doctor.
Glandular fever : Also known as infectious mononucleosis , or mono, this is a viral infection that can one cause longer-lasting swelling, a sore throat , and fatigue. Tonsillitis : This is more common in children than in adults. It occurs when the lymph nodes at the back of the mouth are fighting infection, usually viral, but sometimes bacterial. Children are more prone to swollen lymph nodes because their immune systems are still developing their responses to infectious microbes.
This could provide new insight into the relationship between the brain and the immune system. In June , scientists announced that they had discovered a previously unknown lymphatic system that linked it to the central nervous system CNS and the brain. In May , researchers said that the lymphatic system may play a role in helping the heart to recover after a cardiac arrest.
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