[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

lymphatic system. Additional particles that enter the body through digestion,
inhalation (e.g. mold spores, dust, dirt) or injury are absorbed by the
lymphatic vessels and delivered to the lymph nodes. Once inside the node, the
immune response is activated (Zuther 2011).
• Fat: if fat is part of the lymph, the usually clear lymph takes on a cloudy, milky
color. Fat compounds that cannot be absorbed into the small intestines are
absorbed by the chylous vessels (lymph vessels of the small intestines). It is
through the chylous vessels that fatty acids and other compounds reenter the
bloodstream (Zuther 2011).
• Lymphatic transport capacity: is the maximum amount of lymph the system can
transport in a given time frame (Földi et al. 1989). A healthy lymphatic system
is capable of transporting 10 times the volume of normal lymphatic loads.
This leaves ample room for accommodating fluctuations in lymphatic load
volumes – when the system is healthy. With either primary or secondary
lymphedema (described further on in this chapter), transport capacity cannot
handle the lymphatic load; this constitutes mechanical insufficiency (Zuther
2002).
Transport and Drainage Structures
The drainage and transport of lymph involves the capillaries, nodes and vessels
dispersed throughout the body. This collection of lymph structures are divided
into two separate and distinct layers: superficial and deep (Zuther 2011).