Where to look
There are two parallel systems in the human body: the blood and lymphatic systems. If the blood serves as a food, then the lymph is a purification function. This transparent liquid (we call it the sap) neutralizes and removes from the body all dangerous and harmful, even mutated cells. In our body contains from one to two liters of this liquid. The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic vessels and lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes, spleen and thymus. Sites of lymphoid tissue is, for example, on the tonsils, in the stomach, small intestine and skin. Lymph nodes (lymph nodes) are the guard posts of the lymphatic system, which serve as a biological filter. For example, the lymph nodes of the neck provide protection against infections and tumors of the head and organs located in the neck. In the lymph nodes are produced lymphocytes (white blood cells, which are the main protectors against all kinds of infections, parasites, microbes). This is the army of our immunity. The nodes are security posts that prevent the entry of potentially harmful toxic substances into the general circulation of blood: in the nodes they pass through "their own" and destroy "strangers", thereby preserving their immunity. Lymph nodes are located along the lymphatic vessels, clusters of up to 10 pieces near the blood vessels, more often near large veins. About 150 groups of lymph nodes are isolated in the human body. Among the most accessible for palpation and examination - on the neck, the nape, in the armpits, elbows and knee folds, the groin area.
Defense plan
In the lymphatic system, there is a clear "division of labor", so the lymph nodes are not located randomly, but as if on the boundaries of problem areas. For example, the tonsils lie on the border of the nasopharyngeal cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Each node receives lymph from only those organs in which nourishing lymph vessels originate. In the lymphatic gland there are two kinds of vessels: the vessels entering the knot are called bringing, their duty is to deliver lymph. The vessels leaving the lymph nodes have another problem - they divert the lymph. Thus, the lymphocytes possess unique properties: at the nodes they are interrupted. The protective lymph system has a "staff" - thymus, or thymus gland. This is the organ that regulates the activity of the entire lymph system. Thymus is formed before other lymphoid formations, at the 5th week of pregnancy. It is located behind the upper section of the sternum. The stem cells of the blood that form in the bone marrow, getting into the thymus, turn into immunocompetent T-lymphocytes. These cells, together with B-lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, "attack" foreign bodies for the body. T-cells travel through the body together with lymph. Already in adolescence, the thymus begins to "dry up," and turns into adipose tissue by the time it becomes old. With age, lymphoid elements are replaced by fat, which is why older people are struggling to cope with disease.
If the lymph nodes are enlarged
The anatomical location of lymph nodes and their local increase can speak of diseases of neighboring organs. So, for sexually transmitted infections, an increase in inguinal lymph nodes is characteristic, with angina and various inflammations of the throat, knots on the neck increase. Only a qualified person can determine the presence of an infection or a disease by the size of the lymph nodes. In a healthy state, the lymph nodes are practically not probed. Most often they swell in a zone where there is a developing danger to the body - an infection or a tumor. But keep in mind that a swollen knot in the neck area can testify about ARVI, and tooth decay, and even that you just overheated in the sun. Perhaps the lymph node will return to its normal state without any intervention, so it's not worth it to invent terrible diagnoses right away. Sometimes a well-defined lymph node is a variant of the norm. For example, it is often palpated in people with low body weight. In thin children this can be a feature of the build. Nevertheless, it is known that a significant increase in the size of a single lymph node - more than 2.5 cm - usually indicates a serious disease. The exact diagnosis can be made only by a doctor after a series of diagnostic procedures: beginning with a trivial palpation, then using ultrasound and blood test data. For the diagnosis, computer tomography can be used, in which very thin "slices" are obtained - images of lymph nodes and adjacent areas of the lymphatic system. If the lymph node has increased, then in no case should you use folk methods: egg warming, cold or hot compresses, go to a bath or sauna and use "lymphatic drainage compounds" with a cooling effect. The knot is swollen, since there is an active fight with dangerous agents, all of these manipulations will help to ensure that you spread the infection through the body.
Sick place
In addition to enlarging the lymph node, it is important to pay attention to the presence of painful sensations. In this case, pain indicates that the lymph node itself is affected, and its absence is that the disease is somewhere near it. This is the essential difference. Lymphadenopathy is a painless enlargement of the lymph node, which indicates that the disease is in the organs or tissues closest to this node. If one lymph node is swollen, it is important to pay attention to whether the temperature rises, whether the node increases in volume. Such processes often occur against the background or after the transferred infections. At the end of the course of treatment, the nodes should eventually return to normal. An increase in the number of lymph nodes can indicate a serious disease: viral, fungal or bacterial. With the correct diagnosis and course of treatment, the node with time should decrease in size. Another important point is vaccination. Often, local lymph node enlargement occurs after vaccinations against diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DTP). And, in principle, doctors allocate a hypersensitivity reaction to certain medications and substances, which can also lead to a temporary increase in lymph nodes. Darwin's theory of evolution had such a strong impact on scientists that everything in the human body, which was not explained, was considered a rudimentary (superfluous, echo of the past). First of all, tonsils and appendix fell into this row. Until the end of the XX century it was believed that they can be cut without risk to health, and not only in the situation of inflammation. Some doctors recommended that they be removed "in advance" so as not to get complications if they become inflamed. Now doctors around the world have reached the same conclusions: people with removed glands or appendicitis are at risk of serious diseases. Tonsils - the only lymph nodes in the neck and head, and cut them - means to cut off part of the immune system, not only the respiratory tract, but also hearing, vision, the brain. A detailed study of the work of the tonsils led to bright discoveries: it turned out that they are a kind of immune laboratory. And the tonsils detain not only infections, microbes that get to us from the outside, from the air or from food, but also from the inside - there is an active defense against cancer mutations. The point is that a special type of B-limfocytes, responsible for the safety of the respiratory tract and the upper part of the digestive tract, develops here. The digestive tract is the channel through which the flow of foreign substances constantly flows.
Here for this case in the intestines and "exposed" lymphoid garrisons, one of the most powerful - in the appendix. In the mucous layer of the appendix wall, many lymphatic follicles protecting the intestine have been found, both from infectious and from oncological diseases. For an abundance of lymphoid tissue, appendix is sometimes called "intestinal amygdala". The appendix "slows down" microbes that try to multiply in the intestine. Inside the appendix there is always a strategic stock of the rod, which produces immunoglobulins and mucins that can re-colonize the intestines if a dysbacteriosis occurs. There is also a version that the appendix protects against infections and pelvic organs. Therefore, the appendix is removed only in the event that its inflammation occurs. If the lymph node is not only enlarged but also hurts, this condition is called "lymphadenitis." It also occurs with various bacterial or viral infections. But the difference is that the antibodies in the node are no longer able to cope with the infection and possibly suppuration. But it is impossible to judge only by painful sensations about the danger of the disease. For example, in childhood and adolescence, infectious mononucleosis is more common, and in older people - rheumatoid arthritis. Another important point of diagnosis is not only the location and size of the node, but also its density. The more dense the knots, the faster the doctor. Do not think that this is just a "wen". Only a doctor can make a diagnosis on which the quality of your life depends.