The lymphatic system allows rapid transit of large numbers of immune cells throughout the body. Scattered through this system of lymphatic vessels are the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are vital to the function of the immune system, acting as meeting places where immune cells can communicate to effectively coordinate the response to pathogens. With age, lymph node structure begins to break down, however, becoming fibrotic, or the active tissue replaced by fat. Researchers have shown that this is an obsta…
The Atrophy of Lymph Nodes with Age Negatively Impacts Immune Function
The lymphatic system allows rapid transit of large numbers of immune cells throughout the body. Scattered through this system of lymphatic vessels are the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are vital to the function of the immune system, acting as meeting places where immune cells can communicate to effectively coordinate the response to pathogens. With age, lymph node structure begins to break down, however, becoming fibrotic, or the active tissue replaced by fat. Researchers have shown that this is an obsta…