What are Lymphatic Capillaries? How do they contribute to swelling?

Have you ever noticed that sometimes a leg or arm swells up a little? Or that a fluid like water fills around a wound? Although we don't think about it much, an amazing network of networks inside our bodies controls these things. It's like a drainage system in a city. Today we're going to talk about one of the smallest, but very important parts of that system. That's the Lymphatic Capillaries.

Simply put, what are these lymphatic capillaries?

Imagine that our body is a big city. Blood vessels are the main roads in that city. These roads are where the oxygen and nutrients the body needs go everywhere. But when this happens, an unnecessary fluid builds up between the cells of our body. Just like water builds up on the roads when it rains.

The lymphatic system is the system that removes all that waste and keeps the body clean. These lymphatic capillaries are the smallest pipes in that system. They are so small that they are about the size of a strand of our hair.

Although these are somewhat similar to capillaries that carry blood, there are big differences.

• Lymph capillaries are slightly larger in diameter.
• They are closed at one end . They are not open at both ends like blood vessels.
• The biggest difference is that liquids can enter these tubes, but once inside, they can't get out again.

This lymphatic system is a very important part of our immune system , the system that protects us from disease.

What service do these little tubes provide to the body?

The main function of lymphatic capillaries is to maintain fluid balance in our body.

The space around our cells is constantly leaking fluid called interstitial fluid from blood capillaries. This is normal. But if this fluid is allowed to accumulate, those areas begin to swell. We call this swelling (edema) .

What the lymphatic capillaries do is absorb the extra fluid that accumulates. Once this fluid enters a lymphatic capillary, we call it lymph .

By removing excess fluid and adding it back into the blood, they also help keep our blood pressure and blood volume at normal levels.

Okay, so how does this work?

This process is amazing. The walls of the lymphatic capillaries are very special. The cells overlap one another, forming mini-valves.

• When the fluid pressure between the cells increases, these little doors open and fluid enters the capillary.
• When the pressure inside the capillary increases, these doors automatically close. So the liquid that has entered cannot escape again.

Then this collected lymph fluid travels.

1. This fluid from the lymphatic capillaries collects in slightly larger lymphatic vessels .

2. Along the way, this fluid passes through small checkpoints called lymph nodes . These are located in places like our neck, armpits, and groin. These checkpoints filter out unwanted things like germs, bacteria, and cancer cells in the fluid.

3. The filtered lymph fluid collects in even larger channels, mainly the thoracic duct .

4. Finally, this purified fluid returns to the circulatory system through the large veins under our collarbone ( the subclavian veins ).

Our bodies remain healthy because this cycle continues to operate.

Where are the lymphatic capillaries located in the body?

This network of tiny tubes is spread almost everywhere in our bodies, but in a few places they are not visible.

• Bone marrow
• Cartilage
• Epithelial layer of the skin

Except for these places, every other organ has this network of lymphatic capillaries between the tissues.

What are the common diseases associated with these?

If the lymphatic system is dysfunctional, various diseases can occur.

What are the symptoms of a lymphatic system problem?

If you have symptoms like these, it could be a problem with your lymphatic system.

• Fatigue for no reason
• Fever and chills
• Stomach pain
• Swollen lymph nodes (lumps in the neck, armpits, and groin)
• Weight loss for no reason
• Difficulty breathing or walking
• Swelling (especially in the hands and feet)

How do we keep our lymphatic system healthy?

There are a few simple things we can do to keep our wonderful drainage system in good shape.

• Drink plenty of water: Keep your body well hydrated. This will help lymph fluid move easily throughout the body.
• Eat healthy: Adopt a nutritious diet.
• Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Walking, running, or cycling are all good options. When you exercise, your muscles contract, which helps move fluids through your body.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Controlling body weight is very important for the lymphatic system.
• Stay away from toxic chemicals: Reduce your exposure to things like pesticides and harsh cleaners as much as possible.
• If you get a wound: Keep the wound clean and prevent it from getting infected. If you suspect an infection, see a doctor immediately.

When do you need to see a doctor?

Things like getting an annual checkup can help you identify problems early. However, if you have symptoms like these, don't wait any longer and see your doctor right away.

Don't ignore these symptoms. The earlier a lymphatic system disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. If necessary, your doctor will refer you for tests such as blood tests, a CT scan , an MRI , or a Doppler ultrasound .