Lymphatic System (a1604-1)

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM (GLANDS, VESSELS)

of the intestine and spleen, Peyer's patches, lymphoid tissue in the liver, etc., then one speaks of L. Undoubtedly, in the origin of L., the constitutional factor is sharply expressed. There exist special subjects with lymphatic constitution, in whom the reaction in the form of massive hyperplasia of the lymphatic apparatus occurs especially easily, even with insignificant external harmful influences. In children, anginas with sharp swelling of the neck glands and enlargement of the entire lymphatic apparatus are observed; at the same time, there is a large number of lymphocytes in the blood. This is the so-called lymphatic, or lymphocytic, angina. A sharply expressed form of L. is status thymico-lymphaticus. Childhood age is especially predisposed to L., and all children are essentially somewhat more lymphatic than adults. Their lymphatic system is more developed; the extraordinary activity and associated increased vulnerability of the lymphatic system in children is a well-known fact. Some authors (Blonsky) even characterize a certain period of childhood - namely the period of milk teeth - as the lymphatic period. During later periods, L. in children persists, but the reverse involution of lymphatic tissue also begins, especially during the period of puberty. Pathoanatomist Krylov combined the symptoms of L. in the so-called lipomatous type, in which loose connective tissue and liquid components prevail over the dense part, the bone system is poorly developed with thin walls, expanded Haversian canals and foramina nutritia; the adventitia of the vascular system is poor in elastic tissue; parenchymal organs are enlarged due to weak development of stroma, richer parenchyma, greater amount of fluid and delayed outflow of it. - Lymphopolyadenitis in older children, as well as micropolyadenitis in infants, often stand in connection with chronic infections (syphilis, tbc). It is possible, however, that even with these chronic infections, constitutional predisposition plays a certain role.