Lymph is a human bodily fluid. It is part of the human body's immune system, which fights germs. It flows in the lymphatic system throughout the human body. Lymph carries protein particles that take germs hostage. Lymph also carries lymphocytes and macrophages (white blood cells), which kill and destroy invasive particles and organisms. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/swollen-lymph-nodes/DS00880/DSECTION=causes These protein particles and white blood cells are made in concentrated lymph factories called lymph nodes. Because they are theaters in the human body's warfare on germs, lymph nodes are prone to infection and swelling. Swollen lymph nodes are also called swollen glands.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/swollen-lymph-nodes/DS00880 The most commonly infected or swollen lymph nodes are in the neck and throat, the adenoids and the tonsils. Swelling of the tonsils is called tonsillitis.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tonsillitis/DS00273
Background
Before the 1960s, little was known about lymph, the lymphatic system, or tonsils. It was common medical practice to remove the tonsils if they were chronically inflamed and swollen. Today, doctors know that the tonsils help to fight infection. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tonsillitis/DS00273http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tonsillitis/DS00273/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
There are two main types of infection of the lymph nodes: bacterial infection and viral infection. Little can be done about viral infection. If lymph nodes are swollen because of viral infection, doctors usually have patients treat the symptoms with over the counter medicines called cold remedies. Bacterial infection of the tonsils today is fought with prescription medicines called antibiotics. The first discovered and most famous antibiotic is penicillin. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tonsillitis/DS00273http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tonsillitis/DS00273/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Left untreated, infections of lymph nodes can cause serious, life threatening conditions. One of these conditions is Rheumatoid Arthritis. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tonsillitis/DS00273/DSECTION=complications
References
Fast Facts
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'''Found in'''
Lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and spleen
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'''Discovered lymph'''
Olof Rudbeck of Sweden, in the 1600s
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'''Function'''
Carries many components of the immune system including antigen-presenting cells and lymphocytes
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'''Primary Lymph System'''
Bone marrow where the cells are made; Thymus gland where lymphocytes mature
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'''Seconday Lymph System'''
Spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, gut-associated tissue
