Cancer of the Lymphnodes
This report will describe the function and role of the Lymphatic System for a healthy person, and also the effect of the Lymphatic System when the Lymphnode are infected by cancer.
Blood
Blood consists of blood cells and plasma. Plasma is the straw coloured fluid part of the blood which blood cells use to travel around the body.
Blood Cells and Haemoglobin
Red cells contain haemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Haemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide to the lungs where it can be breathed out. Red cells are numerous in numbers and the quantity of the blood that is dominated by red cells is called the haematocrit.
There is a normal range of haemoglobin and haematocrit for a man and a woman.
White Cells
White cells, also known as leucocytes, fight infection. There are different types of white cells which fight infection together and in different ways. There is a normal adult white cell count and if your white cell count drops below normal you are in risk of infection.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is made up of a massive system of vessels; these vessels branch out into all the tissues of the body. Also within these vessels is a fluid that carries lymphocytes , which is a particular white blood cell that fights infection. There are two types of lymphocytes called B cells and T cells. These cells protect us by making antibodies, and destroying harmful micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses. The lymphatic system forms part of the immune system which protects our bodies against disease and infection.
Groups of small bean shaped organs called lymph nodes are found at various points throughout the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes which are filled with lymphocytes act as filtering stations, cleaning the lymph fluid as it passes through them. Bacteria, viruses, and other harmful bodies are removed and destroyed. When an infection occurs for example a sore throat, you...