Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2024

62 • Massage Therapy Journal

Glossary of Terms Anastomoses : Groups of collectors that connect across lymphatic watersheds allowing for the manual movement of fluid from a congested to a healthy area of the body

Lymph node : Secondary lymphatic organ that serves to filter impurities from lymph fluid

Lymphangions : The smallest functional unit of a lymph collector, the space between a proximal and distal valve

Antibodies : A protein produced by a B cell that triggers an immune response when the antigen presents itself again

Lymphedema : A condition in which there is abnormal accumulation of protein rich fluid in the interstitium

Antigens : Foreign substance that enters the body and initiates the immune response

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) : A type of gentle rhythmic massage of the palpable lymph nodes and surrounding tissues; incorporates stationary circle, rotary technique, pump technique, and scoop technique Mucosa Associated Lymphatic Tissue (MALT) : Lymphoepithelial tissue, playing an important role in the immune defense of the respiratory and digestive tracts, including the tonsils in the throat and Peyers patches in the small intestines Myofascial massage : Massage techniques focusing on the movement and pliability of the fascia in the body which help to remove any congestion and restriction that may negatively affect the functions of the interstitium Spleen : The largest of the secondary lymphatic organs, serves as a reservoir for lymphocytes and red blood cells and filters blood and controls red blood cell and iron metabolism by storing splenic macrophages which start the decomposition of old erythrocytes (red blood cells) and thrombocytes (clot forming cells) and by recycling iron by returning it to the liver T lymphocytes (T cells) : A type of lymphatic cell produced from stem cells formed in bone marrow; move to the thymus, where they develop the ability to develop functions required for a specific cell mediated immune response Thoracic duct : The largest lymph vessel in the body, situated anteriorly to the spine lying deep within the trunk, starting approximately at L2, penetrating the diaphragm, terminating at the left venous angle (the junction where the left internal jugular and left subclavian vein meet)

Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis : A condition in which hardening of the arteries leads to a thickening and the loss of elasticity to the arterial walls resulting in a reduction of blood flow and a lack of the arteries capability to compensate for blood pressure changes Blood capillary pressure (BCP) : A measure of pressure between the blood capillaries and the interstitial space; movement of fluid occurs from the capillary to the interstitium; see also hydrostatic pressure

Cardiac arrhythmia : A condition in which the heartbeat changes from its normal rhythm

Chyle : The milky-white lymph fluid formed when fats are digested in the small intestines

Connective tissue : The most extensive tissue found in the human body; supports the framework of all parts of the body; classified by its degree of hardness: soft connective tissue, fibrous connective tissue, hard connective tissue, and liquid connective tissue

Cysterna chyli : A small sac like structure that is located at the base of the thoracic duct

Diffusion : The most important process in the nourishment of tissues and cells; a process by which molecules move from an area of high concentration to low concentration therefore establishing equilibrium

Erythrocytes : Red blood cells

Filtration : A process by which fluid is forced out of the blood capillary into the interstitium; the rate at which this process occurs can change with changes in the blood capillary pressure Hydrostatic pressure : A measure of pressure between the blood capillaries and the interstitial space; movement of fluid occurs from the capillary to the interstitium; see also blood capillary pressure

Thrombocytes : Clot-forming cells

Thymus : A primary lymphatic organ, serves as a storage area for lymphocytes

Tributary regions : Specific body regions from which lymph nodes and node groups receive lymph fluid

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