Blood & Lymphatic System

Blood is one of the most important tissues in our body. It consists of red blood cells (carrying gases and giving it the red color), white blood cells (leukocytes that fight disease) and platelets (clotting agents), which are all suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood has many functions: carrying of oxygen to tissues, supplying nutrients to cells, waste removal, immunological functions, coagulation, messenger functions, pH regulation, body temperature regulation, and hydraulic functions. Problems with the composition or circulation of the blood can lead to tissue dysfunction and death, as well as a host of other problems in every cell and tissue throughout the body. The lymphatic system is a complex network of lymph nodes, ducts, and vessels that produce and transport lymph fluid from the tissues to the circulatory system. It has three major functions: removal of excess tissue fluid, absorption and transport of fat to the circulatory system, and production of immune cells. Lymph originates as blood plasma from the capillaries and becomes the fluid that fills the spaces between cells and tissues. The thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, appendix and bone marrow are part of the system and their proper function depends on the lymphatic system.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells. This condition also can occur if your red blood cells don’t contain enough hemoglobin. This protein helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. There are many different types of anemia, each with unique causes and symptoms. Hemolytic anemia, megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia are examples of various types. Some potential causes are blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, diseases, reactions to medication and various problems with the bone marrow. Women with heavy menstrual periods typically experience iron deficiency anemia and other risk factors include pregnancy, older age and diseases that cause anemia.