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The Lymphatic System |
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| The lymphatic
system defends the body from foreign invasion by disease causing agents such as viruses,
bacteria, or fungi. The lymphatic system consists macroscopically of: The bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes,
tonsils, appendix, and a few other organs. The lymph system contains a network of vessels that assists in circulating body fluids. These vessels transport excess fluids away from interstitial spaces in body tissue and returns it to the bloodstream. Lymphatic vessels prevent the backflow of the lymph fluid. They have specialized organs called lymph nodes which filter out destroyed microorganisms. The functioning of the lymphatic system is most easily seen at the microscopic level. Blood cells are |
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| produced
in the marrow of human bone. When mature, white blood cells actively
seek out possible pathogens or unknown substances and, using a complex chemical signaling
system, can attack directly or provide for the removal of this substance. If a white blood
cell is alerted to the presence of unwanted bacteria in the blood, it will find this
bacteria and surround it. After a type of white blood cell (a T cell) has the bacteria
trapped, it releases a deadly toxin that destroys the bacteria by breaking its outer
membrane. The relationship between B-Cells, T-Cells and other cells in the immune system is complex. B and T cells undergo complex transformations in response to signal chemicals and foreign substances. In the transformation of B-Cells, different cancers can present themselves. The table below attempts to map B-Cell development with the cancers that may arise:
As with much of the biology underlying lymphoma, the chart represents what researchers believe but not conclusive knowledge. No comparable chart exists for T-Cell cancers. For further research and some good graphics please see the following: Books
How the Immune System Works by Lauren Sompayrac, Ph.D., 2003
The Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems by John Gold, May 2004 Web Sites
For more information on the lymphatic system: For more information on lymphoma classification and types: The Home Page - gateway to support and more Compilation
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