Lymphatic and Immune System

Question 1

What are the three primary functions of the lymphatic system?

Answer 1

Draining interstitial fluid (lymph)

Transporting dietary lipids & fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K

Immune responses (T cells detecting and reacting pathogens)

Question 2

What is the function of the thoracic duct?

Answer 2

Collects most of the lymph in the body and returns it to the bloodstream through the left subclavian vein on the left side of the neck

Question 3

How does the thymus support immunity?

Answer 3

T-Cells which destroy diseased cells

Question 4

Where is the spleen located?

Answer 4

The left side of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm

Question 5

What is the function of the spleen?

Answer 5

1. It controls the amount of blood & blood cells circulating through the body
2. Clears damaged red blood cells and other foreign (destroys damaged cells)

Question 6

How does the spleen support immunity?

Answer 6

It houses T-Cells and Macrophages which destroy bacteria, dead tissue, and pathogens that enter it

Question 7

How does Yogasana increase the function of the lymphatic and immune system?

Answer 7

Moves lymph through muscle contraction, movement, gravity and breathing

Also certain poses compress and release the lymph nodes

Question 8

How does Pranayama increase the function of the lymphatic and immune system?

Answer 8

Deep diaphragmatic breathing pumps lymph through the bloodstream

which gets rid of toxins & that’s part of the immune response

Question 9

How does Bandha increase the function of the lymphatic and immune system?

Answer 9

Mula Bandha & Uddiyana bandha directs lymph towards the thoracic duct

Jalandhara bandha helps squeeze the lymph nodes at the sides of the neck

Question 10

Give examples of how particular types of poses benefit the lymphatic system?

Answer 10

Inversions direct lymph from the lower limbs back up to the thoracic duct which filters and cleans lymph fluid

Twisting compresses of spleen and kidneys

Arm balancing compresses into armpit nodes,

Forward bends compress into the groin nodes.

Ramps up breathing and muscular pumps to move lymph to its major ducts

Question 11

How does asana benefit the immune system?

Answer 11

Reduces stress which reduces cortisol (cortisol = immunosuppressant)

Builds heat in the body which helps destroy bacteria

Question 12

Name the major parts of the lymphatic system.

Answer 12

Tonsils

Lymph nodes

Thymus gland

Spleen

Bone marrow

Question 13

What pranayama are good for the lymphatic system?

Answer 13

Heating like Kapalabhati as it stimulates spleen, thus stimulating lymphatic function

Question 14

Name some asana which are good for the spleen?

Answer 14

Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of Fishes)

Question 15

What is the function of the Thymus gland?

Answer 15

Produces and secretes Thymosin which educates & matures T-Cells (lymphocytes/white blood cells) in other areas of the body

A major part of the immune system

Question 16

How do Bandha improve lymphatic function?

Answer 16

Mula & Uddiyana bandha aids the movement of lymph towards the thoracic duct Jalandhara squeezes the lymph nodes around the throat, support the movement of lymph fluid

Question 17

Where is the thymus gland located?

Answer 17

Behind the sternum, centre of the chest.

Question 18

Name some asana which benefit the thymus gland.

Answer 18

Matsyasana - Fish

Urdhva Dhanurasana - Weel

Bhujangasana - Cobra