Lymphology and the Lymphatic System

This chapter introduces the reader into the realm of lymph, lymphatics, and lymphoid tissue and in this way help to understand the complex problems of lymph stasis. The anatomical territory of the lymphatic system comprises the interstitial space, lymph vessels, organized lymphoid tissue, and its locomotive messengers — the migratory cells. The lymphatic system is one of the elements of the entire organization of body homeostasis. One of the principal events occurring in the lymphatic organs is communication between lymphocytes. Lymph flow occurred in the resting human limbs and during limb muscle contractions only during the lymphatic pulse waves. Prenodal lymph may be an extremely useful source of information on tissue fluid concentration of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. The method of a continuous drainage of lymph from the limb has enabled the studies of the influence of physical factors such as gravity, temperature, and venous congestion, and of local immune stimulation on lymph flow, pressures, and chemical and cellular composition.