Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2024

Winter 2024 • 43

Lymphangions are the smallest functional unit of a lymph collector. Lymph fluid is propelled through the collectors when these units contract, which is referred to as lymphangio-pulsation. Stretch receptors in the wall of the vessels respond to an increase in lymph volume, resulting in a contraction that propels the lymphatic fluid toward the lymph nodes. The sympathetic nervous system, as well as the volume of fluid within the vessel, regulate these contractions. Frequency of these contractions is approximately six to 10 times per minute at rest, but may increase to up to 20 times per minute when an increase of interstitial fluid occurs as a result of increased blood circulating around the body. An increase in contractions contractions. Extrinsic factors that can influence the volume of lymphatic fluid are the movement of skeletal muscles, arterial pulsations, respiration and massage. The collectors then direct their fluid into lymph nodes via afferent lymphatic collectors. These collectors enter the lymph node, where filtration of lymph fluid takes place. The lymph nodes are responsible for regulating the protein concentration of lymph fluid, and therefore less efferent (exiting) vessels can be found at the hilus, which is also the location of the nodes own arteries and veins. that are a result of physical activity, heat and inflammation are known as intrinsic

The efferent vessels of a lymph node lead filtered lymph fluid into more collectors, eventually leading into deeper, larger lymph vessels known as trunks and ducts that are situated in the thorax. Trunks also collect fluid from organs. Lymph Drainage: The Lower and Upper Extremities Lower extremities. Lymphatic fluid from the lower extremities, lower trunk quadrants and genitals all drain into the inguinal lymph nodes located in the femoral triangle. From there, fluid travels into the deeper pelvic and lumbar nodes, then to the left or right lumbar trunks, to the cysterna chyle, eventually leading into the thoracic duct. The intestinal trunk transports lymphatic fluid from the small intestines to the cysterna chyli. Upper extremities. Lymphatic fluid from the upper extremities, posterior and anterior thorax and breast tissue drains into the axillary lymph nodes, into bilateral subclavian trunks then the right lymphatic duct from the right side of the body, thoracic ducts on the left side. Broncho mediastinal trunks, left and right side, receive lymph fluid from the lungs and mediastinum. Lymphatic fluid from the head and neck regions drain directly into cervical lymph nodes, located on the lateral neck near the sternocleidomastoid muscle, into the left or right

Stages of lymphedema

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Lymphedema