SYSTEMIC SEROUS HYPOPERFUSION
(Literally: Body wide, Clear Fluid, Insufficient Flow)
A malfunction in the natural flow of Serous / Lymphatic Fluid throughout the human body.
Discovered by Anne Hillebrand, Orlando, FL - October, 2000.
Named May 14, 2007.
The treatment method that restores this natural flow is called FibroFix;
it was developed and first used by Anne Hillebrand, beginning in October, 2000,
to reverse the symptoms of extremely severe Fibromyalgia.
The natural flow of Serous Fluid (clear fluids called sera, plasma, interstitial and synovial fluids, vaginal lubrication, spinal fluid, saliva, lymph, etc.) should be constantly irrigating the body tissues, feeding, nourishing and cleaning the cells.
Fibromyalgia symptoms are the result of Systemic Serous Hypoperfusion - (Hypoperfusion is decreased flow to a given tissue or organ) - a disrupted flow of Serous / Lymphatic Fluids (clear fluids called sera, plasma, interstitial and synovial fluids, vaginal lubrication, spinal fluid, saliva, lymph, etc.) body-wide.
Serous / Lymphatic Fluid is produced in the arteries and flows from the arterioles to the arterial capillaries. From there it should flow into the body tissues then on out the Lymphatic Capillaries.
In Fibromyalgia, it correctly oozes into body tissue, but there it becomes trapped.
The fluid cannot leave body tissue through the lymphatic capillaries, get into the lymphatic duct and on. The problem is more pronounced in the extremities and in intricate areas such as the back.
Body tissue is starved for nourishment and cells are not lubricated and rinsed.
Hyaluronidase, the enzyme that controls the characteristics of Hylauronan, is not working correctly. It lets Hyaluronan "over thicken" the Serous Fluid.
Numerous websites do an excellent job of describing the Lymphatic System.
This online article has a wonderful description of the correctly functioning system:
Please see the web site address for the complete article, illustrations and acknowledgements:
http://www.cayuga-cc.edu/people/facultypages/greer/biol204/lymphatic1/lymphatic1.html
It was created by Harry Greer for his Biology students while he was a professor at Cayuga College.
He has gratiously offered to let us use it here.
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Importance of the Lymphatic System
Two most important functions
Maintenance of fluid balance in the internal environment.
Immunity
Importance of the lymphatic system in maintaining fluid balance.
Plasma filters into the interstitial spaces from blood flowing through the capillaries.
Much of this interstitial fluid is absorbed by tissue cells or reabsorbed by the blood before it flows out of the tissue.
A small amount of interstitial fluid is left behind.
If this would continue over even a brief period of time, the increased interstitial fluid would cause massive edema.
This edema would causes tissue destruction or death
This problem is avoided by the presence of lymphatic vessels that act as "drains" to collect the excess fluid and return it to the venous blood just before it reaches the heart.
The lymphatic system is a specialized component of the circulatory system.
Consists of a moving fluid (lymph) derived from the blood and tissue fluid and a group of vessels (lymphatics) that returns lymph to the blood.
Lymphatic vessels parallel veins.
The Lymphatic System includes
Lymph nodes located along the paths of collecting vessels.
Isolated nodules of lymphatic patches in the intestinal wall.
Specialized lymphatic organs such as the tonsils, thymus, and spleen.
The lymphatic system differs from the circulatory system in that the lymphatics do not form a closed ring or circuit.
Instead, begin blindly in the intercellular spaces of the soft tissues of the body.
Lymph and Interstitial Fluid
Definitions:
Lymph--clear, watery fluid found in the lymphatic vessels.
Interstitial fluid--fluid that fills the spaces around cells.
In some cases, it is part of the semifluid ground substance.
In others, it is bound water in a gelatinous ground substance.
Distribution of Lymphatic Vessels
Originate as microscopic blind-end vessels called lymphatic capillaries.
Those originating in the villi of the small intestine are called lacteals.
Wall of the lymphatic capillary consists of a single layer of flattened endothelial cells.
Networks of lymphatic capillaries are located in the intercellular spaces and are widely distributed throughout the body.
Lymphatic capillaries merge with other lymphatics to eventually form the main lymphatic trunks.
Routes for Drainage
Right lymphatic ducts
Receives lymph from the right upper quadrant and drains into the right subclavian vein.
Thoracic duct
Lymph from the entire body except for the right upper quadrant drains into the thoracic duct which drains into the left internal jugular vein.
Originates as a dilated structure the cisterna chyli in the lumbar region of the abdominal cavity.
Has an average diameter of 5 mm.
Structure of Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphatic vessels resemble veins in structure with these exceptions:
Lymphatics have thinner walls.
Lymphatics contain more valves.
Lymphatics contain lymph nodes located at certain intervals along their course.
Functions of Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphatics play a critical role in homeostasis.
The high degree of capillary permeability permits large molecular weight substances which cannot be absorbed by the blood capillary to be removed from he interstitial spaces.
Proteins that accumulate in the interstitial spaces can return to the blood only via lymphatics
Above is of great clinical importance.
If anything blocks lymphatic return, blood protein and blood osmotic pressure fall below normal and fluid imbalance and death will result.
Lacteals (lymphatics in the villi of the small intestine) serve an important function in the absorption of fats and other nutrients
The lymph found in lacteals after digestion contains 1-2% fat and is called chyle
Circulation of Lymph OH-Relationship of Lymphatic System to Cardiovascular System
Water and solutes continually filter out of capillary blood into interstitial fluid.
To balance this outflow, fluid continually reenters blood from the interstitial fluid.
Each day about 50% of the total blood proteins leak out of the capillaries into the tissue fluid and return to the blood via the lymphatic vessels.
Routes for Drainage of Lymph
From lymphatic capillaries, lymph flows through progressively larger lymphatic vessels to eventually reenter blood at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins.
The Lymphatic Pump
Although there is no muscular pumping organ connected with the lymphatic vessels to force lymph onward as the heart forces blood, still lymph moves slowly and steadily along its vessels.
Lymph flows through the thoracic duct and reenters the general circulation at the rate of 125 mL/hour.
Occurs despite the fact that most of the flow is against gravity or "uphill".
It moves through the system in the right direction because of the large number of valves that permit fluid flow only in one direction.
The movement is due to breathing movements and skeletal muscle contractions.
Activities that result in central movement or flow are called lymphokinetic actions.
X-rays show that lymph pours into the central veins most rapidly at the peak of inspiration.
The mechanism of inspiration, resulting from the descent of the diaphragm, causes intraabdominal pressure to increase as intrathoracic pressure decreases.
This simultaneously causes pressure to increase in the abdominal portion of the thoracic duct and to decrease in the thoracic portion.
Research has shown that thoracic duct lymph is literally "pumped" into the venous system during inspiration.
The rate of flow of lymph into venous circulation is proportional to the depth of inspiration.
The total volume of lymph that enters the central veins during a given time period depends on both the depth of inspiration and the overall breathing rate.
Contracting skeletal muscles also exert pressure on the lymphatics to push the lymph forward.
a. During exercise, lymph flow may increase as much as 10-15x.
In addition, segmental contraction of the walls of the lymphatics themselves, results in lymph being pumped from one valve segment to the next.
Other pressure generating factors:
Arterial pulsations
Postural changes
Passive compression (massage) of the body soft tissues.
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From Wikipedia and other internet sources
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphatic_system"
THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The lymphatic system is a complex network of lymphoid organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph tissues, lymph capillaries and lymph vessels that produce and transport lymph fluid from tissues to the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is a major component of the immune system.
The lymphatic system has three interrelated functions:
(1) removal of excess fluids from body tissues,
(2) absorption of fatty acids and subsequent transport of fat,chyle, to the circulatory system and,
(3) production of immune cells (such as lymphocytes, monocytes, and antibody producing cells called plasma cells).
Lymph originates as blood plasma that leaks from the capillaries of the circulatory system, becoming interstitial fluid, and filling the space between individual cells of tissue. Plasma is forced out of the capillaries (called filtration) and forced back in (called absorption) due to interactions of hydrostatic pressure (favoring movement out of the capillaries) and oncotic pressure (favoring movement into the capillaries).
While out of the capillaries, the fluid mixes with the interstitial fluid, the volume of fluid accumulates slowly. Most of the fluid is returned to the capillaries. The proportion of interstitial fluid that is returned to the circulatory system by osmosis is about 90% of the former plasma, with about 10% accumulating as overfill. The excess interstitial fluid is collected by the lymphatic system by diffusion into lymph capillaries, and is processed by lymph nodes prior to being returned to the circulatory system.
Once within the lymphatic system the fluid is called lymph, and has almost the same composition as the original interstitial fluid.
Contents
1 Lymphatic circulation
2 Function of the Fatty Acid Transport System
3 Lymphoid organs
4 Pathology
5 Embryology
6 External links
7 See also
Lymphatic circulation
The lymphatic system acts as a secondary circulatory system, except that it collaborates with white blood cells in lymph nodes to protect the body from being infected by cancer cells, fungi, viruses or bacteria. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system is not closed and has no central pump; the lymph moves slowly and under low pressure due to peristalsis, the operation of semilunar valves in the lymph veins, and the milking action of skeletal muscles. Like veins, lymph vessels have one-way, semilunar valves and depend mainly on the movement of skeletal muscles to squeeze fluid through them. Rhythmic contraction of the vessel walls may also help draw fluid into the lymphatic capillaries. This fluid is then transported to progressively larger lymphatic vessels culminating in the right lymphatic duct (for lymph from the right upper body) and the thoracic duct (for the rest of the body); these ducts drain into the circulatory system at the right and left subclavian veins.
Function of the Fatty Acid Transport System
Lymph vessels, called lacteals, are present in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. While most other nutrients absorbed by the small intestine are passed on to the portal venous system to drain, via the portal vein, into the liver for processing, fats are passed on to the lymphatic system, to be transported to the blood circulation via the thoracic duct. The enriched lymph originating in the lymphatics of the small intestine is called chyle (not chyme). The nutrients that are released to the circulatory system are processed by the liver, having passed through the systemic circulation. The lymph system is a one-way system, transporting interstitial fluid back to blood.
Lymphoid organs
The thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, peyer's patches, tonsils, vermiform appendix, and red bone marrow are accessory lymphoid tissues that comprise the lymphoid organs. These organs contain a scaffolding that support circulating B- and T-lymphocytes and other immune cells like macrophages and dendritic cells. Another sub-component of the lymphatic system is the reticuloendothelial system. When micro-organisms invade the body or the body encounters other antigens (such as pollen), the antigens are transported from the tissue to the lymph. The lymph is carried in the lymph vessels to regional lymph nodes. The lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as bacteria and cancer cells. Specialized cells called macrophages and dendritic cells phagocytose pathogens, process them, and present antigens to lymphocytes. When these pathogens are recognized, the lymph nodes enlarge as additional immune cells are produced to help fight the infection.
Lymphedema also causes abnormal swelling, especially in the appendages (though the face, neck, and abdomen can also be affected). It occurs if the lymphatic system is damaged, or underdeveloped in some way. An estimated 170 million suffer with the disorder. There are three stages:
Stage 1:Pressing the swollen limb leaves a pit that takes a while to fill back in. Because there is little fibrosis (hardening) it is often reversible. Elevation reduces swelling.
Stage 2: Pressure does not leave a pit. Elevation does not help. If left untreated, the limb becomes fibrotic.
Stage 3: This stage of lymphedema is often called elephantiasis. It is generally only in the legs after lymphedema that has gone long untreated. While treatment can help a little, it is not reversible.
Thomas Bartholin and Olaus Rudbeckius, the discoverers of the lymphatic system in humans (David Cantor mentions Gaspare Aselli (1581-1625) as the posthumous discoverer of the lymphatic system. in a 1628 publication).
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Some Definitions:
Anaerobic - without oxygen or not requiring oxygen.
Antibodies - chemicals produced by white blood cells to fight bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances.
Axillary nodes - Lymph glands (nodes) in the armpit.
B cells - Small white blood cells crucial to the immune defenses. Also known as B lymphocytes, they are derived from bone marrow and develop into plasma cells that are the source of antibodies.
Dysregulation - affecting the narrowing and widening of the blood vessels.
Hypoperfusion - decreased blood flow to a given tissue or organ.
Immune System - the system composed of lymph fluid, lymph nodes, the lymphatic system, and white blood cells that are responsible for protecting the body against infection and disease.
Immunoblasts - lymphocytes that become stimulated and enlarged when they encounter foreign substances.
Ischemia - a condition in which blood flow (and thus oxygen) is restricted to a part of the body.
Lymph - pale fluid circulating throughout the body that bathes the body tissues, passes into lymphatic vessels, and is discharged into the blood by way of the thoracic duct. It consists of a liquid resembling blood plasma and contains white blood cells and antibodies.
Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped organs located throughout the body along the vessels of the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes filter impurities from the body and store white blood cells that fight infection and other diseases. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen. Also known as lymph glands.
Lymph Vessels - channels or ducts that contain and convey lymph; also called lymphatics.
Lymphatic system - the tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infection and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes and a network of vessels that carry lymph and white blood cells into all the tissues of the body.
Lymphedema - the swelling of the arms and or legs which may result from the blockage or removal of lymph nodes.
Lymphocytes - part of the lymphatic system. White blood cells that fight infection and disease.
Macrophages - a type of 'scavenger' cell, key to the workings of the human immune system. They are produced by stem cells in the bone marrow and circulate through the blood. They settle in many tissues, especially in the spleen and lymph nodes and in the liver, serving as filters to trap microbes and other foreign particles that arrive through the blood.
Plasma - the watery, liquid part of the blood in which the red blood cells, the white blood cells, and platelets are suspended.
Perfusion - the process of nutritive delivery of arterial blood to a capillary bed in the biological
tissue.
Red Blood Cells - blood cells that mainly help transport oxygen to all the tissues in the body. Also known as erythrocytes.
Spleen - organ found on the left side of the abdomen. The spleen helps control the amount of blood and blood cells that circulate through the body and helps destroy damaged cells
Thoracic Duct - major lymphatic vessel, which begins near the lower part of the spine and collects lymph from the lower limbs, pelvis, abdomen, and lower chest. Lymph flowing through the duct eventually empties into a large vein in the upper chest and returns to the bloodstream
Thymus - a primary lymphoid organ, high in the chest, where T lymphocytes proliferate and mature.
Vasodilatory - dilation of blood vessels (especially the arteries).
Vasomotor - relating to the nerves and muscles that cause the blood vessels to constrict or dilate.
White Blood Cells - blood cells involved in the destruction of viruses, bacteria, and fungi which cause infection. Also known as leukocytes.
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Information from an article by Cancer Research UK NHS Information Partners
What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system is a system of thin tubes that runs throughout the body. These tubes are called 'lymph vessels'. You may also hear them called 'lymphatic vessels'.
The lymphatic system is like the blood circulation - the tubes branch through all parts of the body like the arteries and veins that carry blood. Except that the lymphatic system carries a colourless liquid called 'lymph'.
Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates around the body tissues. It contains a high number of lymphocytes (white blood cells). Plasma leaks out of the capillaries to surround and bathe the body tissues. This then drains into the lymph vessels.
The fluid, now called lymph, then flows through the lymphatic system to the biggest lymph vessel - the thoracic duct. The thoracic duct then empties back into the blood circulation.
Lymph glands
Along the lymph vessels are small bean-shaped lymph glands or 'nodes'. You can probably feel some of your lymph nodes.
There are lymph nodes
Under your arms, in your armpits
In each groin (at the top of your legs)
In your neck
There are also lymph nodes that you cannot feel in:
Your abdomen
Your pelvis
Other organs that are part of the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system includes other body organs. These are the
Spleen
Thymus
Tonsils
Adenoids
The spleen is under your ribs on the left side of your body. The spleen works as a filter of lymph fluid.
The thymus is a small gland under your breast bone. The thymus helps to produce white blood cells. It is usually most active in teenagers and shrinks in adulthood.
The tonsils are two glands in the back of your throat. The tonsils and adenoids (also called the 'nasopharyngeal' tonsils) help to protect the entrance to the digestive system and the lungs from bacteria and viruses.
The adenoids are at the back of your nose, where it meets the back of your throat.
What does the lymphatic system do?
The lymphatic system does three main jobs in the body:
Drains fluid back into the bloodstream from the tissues
Filters lymph
Fights infections
Draining fluid into the bloodstream
As the blood circulates, fluid leaks out into the body tissues. This fluid is important because it carries food to the cells and waste products back to the bloodstream. The leaked fluid drains into the lymph vessels. It is carried through the lymph vessels to the base of the neck where it is emptied back into the bloodstream. This circulation of fluid through the body is going on all the time.
Filtering lymph
This is the job of the spleen. It filters the lymph to take out all the old worn out red blood cells. These are destroyed and replaced by new red blood cells that have been made in the bone marrow.
Fighting infection
When people say "I'm not well, my glands are up" they are really saying they have swollen lymph nodes because they have an infection. The lymphatic system helps fight infection in many ways such as :
Helping to make special white blood cells (lymphocytes) that produce antibodies
Having other blood cells called macrophages inside the lymph nodes which swallow up and kill any foreign particles, for example germs
This function of the lymphatic system is really part of the immune system. There is more about this in the section The Immune System of CancerHelp UK.
“Just as the rivers are much less numerous than the underground streams,
so the idealism that is visible is minor
compared to what men and woman carry in their hearts,
unreleased and scarcely released.
Mankind is waiting and longing
for those who can accomplish the task
of untying what is knotted and
bringing the underground waters to the surface.
ALBERT SCHWEITZER
