The structure of the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes - this organs located along the lymphatic vessels near major blood vessels, as well as surface pits limb flexion. Lymph nodes are soft pinkish-gray Education bean or ribbon-like shape, are arranged in groups, which can be up to several tens of nodes. Altogether about 460 of human lymph nodes. The value of a single lymph node ranged from 1 to 22 mm in length.

Each lymph node is covered by a connective tissue capsule from which depart from penetrating the unit thin capsular branches. On the surface there is lymph node impression - the gateway node, wherein the capsule forms a bulge, which runs thick enough Gate branch. In some cases, Gate branch connected to the capsular, which gives the node lobed structure. Through the gate in the lymph node penetrate the arteries and nerves and veins are located and efferent lymphatic vessels. Each lymphatic vessel runs 2-4 lymphatic vessels and bringing out 1-2 efferent larger diameter than bring.

Between the gate and the capsular branches of the capsule is the parenchyma - loose connective tissue filled with blood cells (mainly lymphocytes and large cells - macrophages) at different stages of maturation. The parenchyma is composed of the cortex and medulla. In the cortex lymphocytes are formed, which are then through the medullary compounds fall into a lymphatic vessel. Through the wall of the lymphatic vessels in the lymph node and accumulate there penetrate foreign particles (e.g., coal dust from respiratory).

What are lymph nodes

The lymph nodes are formed various cells and substances that promote the formation of immunity:

• lymphocytes - white blood cells that carry protective functions of providing cellular and humoral immunity;
• antibodies, which are produced in response to the introduction into the organism "enemy" -antigen (they may be bacteria, viruses, and foreign proteins, etc.) and then it is neutralized.
• leukocyte factor that stimulates cell proliferation.

The protective function is associated with lymph node involvement in the formation of immunity Immunity - types and characteristics in children in adults Which is the formation of plasma cells and the production of immunoglobulins.

Lymph nodes operate as filtration barrier function representing the drainage system, wherein the delayed input from the current lymph foreign particles, microbial body, tumor cells. All these bodies are not just delayed, but also absorbed large cells - macrophages.

Lymphocytes are involved in digestion and metabolism Metabolism: The basis of life of all living things   - Protein, fat, vitamins (A, B, C, D). At the lymphatic vessels, they function as a depot lymph involved in the redistribution of fluid and blood cells between the blood and lymph.

Activity nodes is controlled by the nervous system and humoral factors (for example, glucocorticoid hormones, which affect the rate of formation of the lymphocytes).

Why changes may occur in the lymph nodes

Changes in the lymph nodes most likely to occur in response to various processes which develop in the body (inflammatory changes in neighboring or distant organs, tumor processes, post-vaccination and so forth) - the so-called reactive inflammation.

Inflammation can occur in the lymph node, as well as the adjoining lymph vessels. In acute lymphadenitis Lymphadenitis - when inflamed lymph nodes   pronounced swelling Prevention and treatment of edema - it is important to understand the root cause   lymph node can join a purulent inflammation and then necrosis (tissue death) lymph node. In chronic inflammation of the lymph node becomes more dense, it is soldered to surrounding tissues. In malignant tumors at an early stage of lymph nodes is greatly disturbed its structure, the connective tissue is replaced by tumor cells.

Atrophic changes (decrease in the amount of "shrinking") lymph nodes are found in violation of the body's defenses (immune system), in such cases, usually the lymph node tissue is replaced by adipose tissue.

Regardless of what caused the lymph nodes, they usually increase in size, sometimes forming a whole conglomerate of nearby lymph nodes. Depending on the nature of the process may be painful lymph nodes or not, and also have a different texture (soft, dense, elastic, etc.).

If you happen to find yourself in an increase in the lymph nodes, it is necessary to address urgently to the doctor to find out the cause of this phenomenon.

  Galina Romanenko

Systemic autoimmune connective tissue disease

Our body is designed so that itself protects against genetically foreign particles. In response to the introduction of such particles produced antibodies that are glued together with the "alien" and removes it from the body. In violation of the immunity begins to produce antibodies to the body's own tissues, destroying them, such reactions are called autoimmunity. When autoimmune reactions become unmanageable, then talk about the autoimmune disease.

For autoimmune diseases include systemic connective tissue diseases, including scleroderma. The connective tissue and therefore is called the coupling, it is the foundation that connects all other tissues and organs. Connective tissue is present in the skin, bones, cartilage, vascular walls, in all bodies, so in systemic autoimmune connective tissue disease affects the entire body.

What is systemic scleroderma

Scleroderma - a disease of the connective tissue characterized by its seal by overgrowth of connective tissue elements. Scleroderma may be limited or focal and systemic, that is common. Systemic scleroderma - a common progressive multiple sclerosis (replacement of connective tissue cells cells) of the skin and internal organs.

The disease as mentioned, are autoimmunity and thrust that can run these reactions are bacterial and viral infection, chronic diseases, including allergic diseases, endocrine Diseases of the endocrine system - extensive classification . Furthermore, predisposing the patient can serve as work related to constant vibration, exposure to toxic substances and so on.

The above effects can cause disturbed regulation of the capillaries (small blood vessels), thus increasing their permeability to the surrounding tissue edema begins vigorously produced one of the elements of connective tissue - collagen, connective tissue grows and hardening takes place in various organs and tissues.

As shown

If localized scleroderma affects only limited areas (usually on the hands), then the systemic scleroderma affects not only the skin but also the muscles, joints and internal organs (heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, kidney). For systemic sclerosis is characterized as a kind of common vascular changes with spasms of blood vessels. Ill systemic scleroderma Scleroderma - affects all the organs   mostly women. There are acute (rapidly progressing), subacute and chronic systemic sclerosis with a primary lesion of various organs.

Systemic scleroderma usually begins gradually with vascular disorders: there is a cold snap, and cyanosis of the fingers, reducing their sensitivity. Gradually, the skin on the fingers becomes thick and shiny. Because of circulatory disorders and innervation of the fingers are increasingly losing its sensitivity, sometimes they appear sores and areas of dead tissue in the quickly progressing flow may even gangrene (necrosis) .Izmenyaetsya and skin on the face, it acquires the color of ivory, the person becomes sedentary, maskoobraznym.

Knuckles and wrist, ankle, knee joints become swollen, they violated traffic comes pain. With involvement of the musculoskeletal system appears muscle weakness.

The next stage in the development of systemic sclerosis - the defeat of the internal organs: sclerosis affects the esophagus, stomach, kidneys, heart and lungs. Narrowing of the esophagus leads to swallowing disorders and the development of inflammation of the esophagus. Scleroderma renal lesion of blood vessels (narrowing of the blood vessels) lead to the fact that developing chronic renal failure Chronic renal failure - what to do and how to be? That is, the kidney can not cope with their work for the withdrawal of harmful products of metabolism Metabolism: The basis of life of all living things   from the body and they begin to accumulate, causing severe changes in all organs and tissues (a so called "scleroderma" kidney).

The lungs and heart muscle growth of connective tissue leads to respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

Diagnosis of systemic sclerosis

The diagnosis of scleroderma is placed on the basis of the characteristic symptoms of the disease and is confirmed by means of laboratory tests. A study of the immune system by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and tissues taken for analysis by biopsy.

Treatment

To treat scleroderma is very difficult, therefore, as part of its comprehensive treatment of all measures are taken to prevent its further spread. Patients are advised to avoid hypothermia and stress, wear clothes and shoes, the proper season. Also, be sure all being treated foci of infection in the body (eg, chronic tonsillitis).

Appointed vasodilator drugs, if there are pockets of inflammation, they are being treated. To restore internal organs and tissues absorbable prescribed therapy. The blood is cleansed of autoimmune antibodies by hemosorption and plasmapheresis.

The condition of patients improves after physical therapy, massage and physical therapy.

  Galina Romanenko