Chronische Cerebro-Spinale Veneuze Insufficiëntie

Remember the functions of lymph nodes and lymph vessels as you examine their structure. Lymph nodes (1) produce lymphocytes and antibodies, (2) filter the lymph (remove dead bacteria and other foreign bodies), (3) serve as a defense mechanism to prevent the spread of malignant cells, and (4) represent potential hemopoetic organs. The nodes are connected to lymph vessels, which permit the lymph to flow through the nodes. The vessels absorb and transport tissue fluid. Were it not for the lymph vessels, the tissues would become filled with exudate and edema would result. Lymph vessels may expedite the spread of malignant cells. In most tissues, lymph vessels form a rich capillary meshwork and unite to form larger vessels that connect with one or more series of lymph nodes before the main lymph channels are reached. Thus, malignant cells entering the lymph vessels can be spread from one tissue to another. The thoracic duct (the largest lymph vessel in the body) empties into the blood stream at the junction of the left internal jugular vein with the left subclavian vein. It returns to the blood stream the lymph from all the body below the diaphragm and from the left half of the body above the diaphragm. The right lymphatic duct drains the remainder of the body and empties into the blood stream at the junction of the right internal jugular vein and the right subclavian vein.