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Lymphpcytes are a type of white blood cells that help the body fight infection. They are made in the bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes, and circulate in the blood and lymph vessels. Lymphocytes recognize foreign cells and act quicly to destry them. There are two main types of lymphocytes : B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. B-lymphocytes develop into cells ( called plasma cells ) that make specific proteins ( called antibodies ) that circulate in the blood and react with toxins, bacteria, and some cancer cells. The antibodies act like biologic guided missles homing on to only that antigen target on the surface it has been programmed to attack. The body then can identify and remove these unwanted substances. However some invaders can evade B-lymphocytesby growing in the body's own cells. That is where T-lymphocytes play a role. They sense when the body's own cells have infected and destroy them directly. T-lymphocytes help the body fight viral infections and destroy abnormal or cancerous cells.
After an invader has been destroyed , surviving B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes develop into specialized memory cells that remain on watch in the lymph nodes, waiting to be reactivated if and when a particular antigen is encountered again. These memory cells can be thought of as "guards" that are always on the lookout to prevent specific invaders from controlling the body. The body has a complicated system of checks and balances to keep the number of lymphocytes in balance.
The lymphatic system is part of the body's defense system. It protects the body from disease and infection ,and is one of the most important parts of the immune system. The lymphatic system is made up of a series of thin tubes called lymph vessels that branch into all parts of the body. Lymph vessel's carry lymph , a watery fluid that contains white blood cells called lymphocytes. within the vast network of vessel are groups of small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes. Thouands of nodes are found in almost all places in the body, including the elbows, groin, neck,and under arms.Lymph flows through lymph nodes and specialized lymph tissues such as the spleen, tonsils, bone marrow, and thymus gland. Lymph nodes filter lymph fluid, removing bacteria, viruses, and foreign substances. If a large number of bacteria are filtered through a node or series of node, they may swell and become tender to the touch. For example, if you have a sore throat, the lymph nodes under your jaw and in your neck may swell. Most swollen nodes are a reaction to infection and are not concerous. Many of these invaders come from outside the body. The immune system is the body's defense. It acts like a sheildto detect and defeat these invader's. Somtimes the threat comes from within the body. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells cannot be controlled and continue to grow and multiply.
I have Non hodgekin's Lymphoma. I have posted blog's if you would like to read what i have gone through. If anybody has any question's just drop me a note.
Dennis