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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Lymph nodes of the head and neck
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13. Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Lymph nodes of the body
Clare Hargreaves-Norris

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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