The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. In addition, it also maintains fluid balance and plays a crucial role in absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients.
The lymphatic or lymph system involves an extensive network of bessels that passes through almost all of your tissues to allow for the movement of a fluid known as lymph. Lymph circulates all over the body in a similar way to blood.
There are about 600 lymph nodes found in the body. These nodes swell in response to infection, due to the build-up of lymph fluid, bacteria, or other organisms and immune system cells.
A person with a throat infection, for instance, may feel that their “glands” are swollen. Swollen glands can be felt especially under the jaw, in the armpits, or even in the groin area. As a matter of fact, these are not glands but are lymph nodes.
They should see a doctor if the swelling doesn’t go away, if nodes are hard or rubbery and a challenge to move, if there’s a fever, unexplained weight-loss, or difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
