NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy Lymphatic System NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Introduction The lymphatic system is the secondary circulatory system that drains away tissue fluids and waste products and filters the lymph protecting against infection. It is a one way drainage system that drains excess tissue fluid and transports it back into the venous system of the blood supply. It also returns to the blood any large protein molecules that were unable to pass back through the capillary walls. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a heart to pump it around the body; instead its onward movement is assisted by the pumping action of the muscles that surround the lymph vessels, the position of valves to prevent backflow and the negative pressure created in the thorax during inspiration. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Functions of the lymphatic system Filters bacteria, foreign materials, toxins and any harmful materials. Drains away excess fluid to prevent water clogging of the tissues and cells. Transports proteins back into the blood supply. Produces lymphocytes which protect and defend the body against infection. Produces antibodies to fight bacteria. Absorbs fat from the intestine and transport it to the liver. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Did you know? When the body is ill with an infection, your glands swell up. Many of these glands are lymph nodes. When you are healthy they are about the size of a pea or grape, but during illness they can be as big as golf balls. Lymph nodes contain billions of white cells, multiplying rapidly to fight the invading germs. During illness they fill with millions of extra white cells and also dead germs. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Structures of the lymphatic system The lymphatic system is comprised of: Lymph fluid Lymph capillaries Lymph vessels Lymph nodes Lymph ducts Spleen Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Lymph fluid Lymph fluid is a transparent, colourless, watery fluid that is similar to blood plasma, however contains more waste products and fewer nutrients. Lymph usually contains the larger particles that could not re-enter the blood supply. Lymph is made up of: Plasma (watery substance) Proteins Waste products and toxins Fats Urea Gases Lymphocytes Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Lymph capillaries Lymph capillaries are fine, hollow elastic tubes which are similar to blood capillaries in structure, however, they are wider. The cell walls are made from a single layer of epithelial tissue and are more permeable than blood capillaries, therefore allowing larger substances to pass through their walls. Lymph capillaries are blind ended and transport the lymphatic fluid away from the cells and tissues. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Lymph vessels These larger vessels run closely alongside veins and transport the lymphatic fluid through one or more sets of lymph nodes. They have collapsible walls, carry lymph at a steady pressure, and are similar to veins in structure, as they contain valves called semi lunar valves. The lymph enters the node through the afferent vessel and leaves through the efferent vessel. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Lymph nodes Lymph nodes are tiny clusters of glands, which filter out bacteria and toxins, therefore, protecting the body against infection. Lymphocytes, macrophages and phagocytes are numerous here; these white blood cells produce antibodies and ingest bacteria and foreign materials to fight against infection. When a person is suffering from an infection the lymph nodes swell and become tender, as the white blood cells fight the infection. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Lymph ducts The lymph ducts are the vessels that allow the collected tissue fluid to return back into the blood stream. The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right side of the head, neck, chest and right arm, the thoracic duct drains from the left side of the head and neck, left arm, left side of chest area and both legs. Area drained by right lymphatic duct Area drained by thoracic duct Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris The spleen The spleen is situated behind the stomach and is responsible for producing antibodies and lymphocytes, and destroying old red blood cells. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Lymph nodes of the head and neck Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Lymph nodes of the body Clare Hargreaves-Norris

The Location & Function Of The Main Lymph Nodes Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Lymph Nodes Node Location Function Buccal nodes Face, cheek region Drains the eyelids, nose and the facial skin Parotid nodes In the face, in front of the ear ears Posterior auricular nodes Behind the ear Drains behind the ear and temple Occipital nodes Back of head Drains the back of the scalp and the upper neck region Submental Under the chin Drains lower lip, chin and the floor of the mouth Submandibular Under the jaw line Drains the chin, lips, nose, cheeks and tongue Superficial cervical nodes In the neck, below the ear Drains lower part of ear, parotid area and neck Deep cervical In the neck and neck Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Clare Hargreaves-Norris Lymph Nodes Node Location Function Axillary nodes In the underarms Drains the pectoral area and the upper arm Supratrochlear lymph nodes In the elbow Drains the fingers, thumb, hand and forearm Intestinal lymph nodes Inside the abdominal cavity Drain abdominal viscera Iliac nodes Hip area Drains the pelvic area including reproductive organs and the bladder Inguinal nodes In the groin Drains the pelvic area & legs Popliteal nodes Behind the knees Drains the toes, feet and lower legs Cisterna chyli Sack like chamber in the abdomen Receives lymph from the lower abdomen, lower limbs, and pelvis and conveys it into the thoracic duct Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Interaction between blood and lymph The blood and lymph supply work closely alongside each other and interact at numerous points: Primary interaction occurs within capillary exchange. Small lymph vessels run alongside the arteries and veins collecting lymph from tissues. Lymph vessels transport lymph fluid to the lymph nodes for filtering, thereby preventing foreign substances entering the blood stream. Production of fresh lymphocytes are activated which circulate around the body in both lymph and blood vessels. Lymph transports fat from the digestive tract to the blood. Lymph returns to the blood supply via the lymphatic ducts and into the subclavian veins. Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Diagram to illustrate the interaction between the blood and lymph Arteriole Lymph capillary with semi permeable walls Red blood cells Cells and tissues Blood capillary with semi permeable walls Lymph fluid Tissue fluid bathing cells and tissues Venule Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Factors affecting lymphatic drainage General blood circulation - a good strong circulation ensures that the flow of tissue fluid into the lymph vessels is maintained. Exercise - the action of the muscles speeds up the movement of lymph through the vessels. Massage - enhances the drainage by forcing the movement of lymph through the vessels. Clare Hargreaves-Norris