Academy of Diagnostic & Osteopathic Medicine
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The lymphatic system is the body's waste management and immune defense network, running alongside the circulatory system. It consists of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and bone marrow. Unlike blood, lymph fluid moves one way—from tissues back to the bloodstream—filtered along the way by lymph nodes. Blood supply to lymphatic organs varies: the spleen is supplied by the splenic artery, the thymus by the internal thoracic arteries, and lymph nodes receive blood from surrounding arterioles. Venous drainage flows through subclavian veins, where lymph returns to circulation. The lymphatic system defends against infections, removes excess fluid, and absorbs dietary fats through lacteals in the small intestine. When lymph flow is blocked, lymphedema can occur. Enlarged lymph nodes may indicate infection or cancer. This system is essential for immunity, fluid balance, and nutrient absorption—keeping the body clean, defended, and functional!
SKIN
The skin—our body's largest organ—is more than just a barrier. It’s alive, constantly working to protect us, regulate our temperature, and even communicate with the world through touch. Beneath the surface, the skin is made up of three layers. The epidermis is our waterproof shield, keeping out harmful bacteria and sealing in moisture. The dermis lies just beneath, filled with blood vessels, nerves, and glands that help us feel sensations, produce sweat, and heal wounds. And deeper still, the hypodermis provides insulation and cushioning, keeping our internal organs safe. Blood flows through the skin constantly, bringing oxygen and nutrients while carrying away waste. Small arteries deliver fresh blood, and veins return it to the heart. This circulation helps with temperature control, widening when we need to cool off and tightening when we need to stay warm. But skin does more than protect—it feels, breathes, and even produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. It’s our first defense against infection, constantly shedding old cells and regenerating new ones. Yet, when things go wrong, the skin tells us. Burns, wounds, eczema, psoriasis—these are signs of deeper imbalances or damage. And with too much UV exposure, cells can mutate, leading to skin cancer. From the moment we’re born, our skin is with us—protecting, sensing, and adapting to the world around us. It’s not just a covering. It’s a living, breathing system, essential to survival.
MACROPHAGES
Macrophages are the body’s cleanup crew and frontline defenders, always on patrol to protect us. These powerful immune cells detect, engulf, and destroy invaders like bacteria, viruses, and dead cells. Acting like the body's scavengers, they use a process called phagocytosis—literally swallowing threats whole and breaking them down. But macrophages do more than clean up. They alert the immune system, releasing signals to call in reinforcements when a bigger fight is needed. They even help with healing, clearing out damaged tissue and promoting repair. Without macrophages, infections would spread unchecked, and wounds wouldn’t heal properly. They are both soldiers and healers—constantly working to defend, repair, and keep us alive.
B-CELLS
B-Cells – The Antibody Factories of Immunity B-cells are the immune system’s memory keepers and antibody producers, defending the body against infections. Born in the bone marrow, they patrol the bloodstream, searching for foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. When a B-cell encounters a threat, it transforms into a plasma cell, churning out antibodies—specialized proteins that tag and neutralize pathogens. Some B-cells become memory B-cells, ensuring a faster, stronger immune response if the same invader returns. B-cells are the key to long-term immunity, whether from natural infection or vaccines, helping the body recognize and fight disease more effectively in the future.
STEROIDS
Steroids are the body’s chemical messengers—powerful hormones that regulate inflammation, metabolism, and immune responses. Produced naturally in the adrenal glands, steroids like cortisol help control stress, reduce inflammation, and balance energy levels. Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, promote muscle growth and tissue repair. In medicine, synthetic steroids like prednisone are used to calm an overactive immune system, treating conditions like asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. But balance is key—too much or too little can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms. Steroids are essential regulators, keeping the body’s systems in check and responding to both stress and healing.
ANTIBODIES
Antibodies are the body’s defense specialists—tiny but powerful proteins designed to recognize and neutralize threats. Produced by B cells, antibodies identify viruses, bacteria, and toxins, locking onto them like puzzle pieces and marking them for destruction. Each antibody is unique, built to recognize just one specific enemy. Once attached, they neutralize threats, trigger immune cells, and activate the body’s defense systems to clear out invaders. They even create immune memory, so if the same threat returns, the body responds faster and stronger. Without antibodies, we’d be defenseless. They are the key to immunity, whether from infections, vaccines, or past exposure. Small but mighty, antibodies are the guardians of our immune system.
SPLEEN
The lymphatic system is the body's waste management and immune defense network, running alongside the circulatory system. It consists of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and bone marrow. Unlike blood, lymph fluid moves one way—from tissues back to the bloodstream—filtered along the way by lymph nodes. Blood supply to lymphatic organs varies: the spleen is supplied by the splenic artery, the thymus by the internal thoracic arteries, and lymph nodes receive blood from surrounding arterioles. Venous drainage flows through subclavian veins, where lymph returns to circulation. The lymphatic system defends against infections, removes excess fluid, and absorbs dietary fats through lacteals in the small intestine. When lymph flow is blocked, lymphedema can occur. Enlarged lymph nodes may indicate infection or cancer. This system is essential for immunity, fluid balance, and nutrient absorption—keeping the body clean, defended, and functional!
LYMPH NODES
Lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body along the lymphatic vessels, with clusters commonly found in the neck, armpits, and groin. They are small, bean-shaped structures that house lymphocytes and macrophages, which help the body fight infections. Lymph nodes receive blood supply from small arteries in the surrounding tissues, and their drainage occurs through lymphatic vessels, which eventually empty into venous circulation at the thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct. Their main function is to filter lymph fluid and provide a home for immune cells to fight infections and respond to foreign invaders. Common conditions include lymphadenopathy, which is the enlargement of lymph nodes due to infection, inflammation, or cancer, and lymphoma, a malignant growth in lymphatic tissue.
T-CELLS
T-Cells – The Commanders of Immunity T-cells are like the generals of the immune system, directing attacks against infections and abnormal cells. Produced in the bone marrow and trained in the thymus, these specialized white blood cells come in different types. Helper T-cells coordinate the immune response, activating other immune cells, while Cytotoxic T-cells are the body's assassins, targeting and destroying infected or cancerous cells. Regulatory T-cells help prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissues. T-cells are crucial for adaptive immunity, recognizing specific pathogens and building long-term defenses. Without them, the body would struggle to fight off infections and diseases.
CYTOKINES
Cytokines are the immune system’s messengers—tiny proteins that coordinate defense responses, telling cells when to attack, when to repair, and when to stand down. They control inflammation, healing, and even how the body responds to stress and infection. But too many cytokines, like in an autoimmune disease or cytokine storm, can turn the immune system against itself, causing widespread damage. Balanced cytokine activity is the key to immunity, recovery, and overall health. They are the body's communication network, ensuring immune responses happen at the right time, in the right place.
BONE MARROW
Bone marrow is the body’s blood factory—constantly producing the cells that keep us alive. Hidden inside the hollow spaces of bones, bone marrow is a powerhouse of stem cells, which generate red blood cells for oxygen transport, white blood cells for immunity, and platelets for clotting. It’s also a key player in the immune system, producing B cells and T cells that defend against infections. When bone marrow is damaged or diseased, blood cell production is disrupted, leading to conditions like anemia, leukemia, or immune deficiencies. Without bone marrow, the body wouldn’t have the essential building blocks of life—blood, immunity, and repair. It’s the hidden core of our survival.
NM ANTIBODIES
Reframing "Antibody" as "Probody" For decades, we’ve used the term antibody to describe the immune system’s defense proteins that protect us from infections. But the word antibody makes it sound like these molecules are fighting against the body—when in reality, they are working for the body. That’s why, in the Nussbaumer Method, we refer to them as probodies—because their role is to promote health, protect the body, and neutralize threats. Why "Probody" Makes More Sense. They are not against the body (anti-body sounds like they are enemies of the body). They work for the body to recognize, neutralize, and eliminate harmful invaders. They prevent disease progression, signaling the immune system to remove threats before they cause harm. Think of Probodies Like Security Guards. Imagine a security guard at the entrance of a building. They check IDs, stop intruders, and call for backup if necessary. Probodies do the same: ✔️ They identify harmful invaders like bacteria or viruses. ✔️ They tag them for destruction so immune cells can remove them. ✔️ They help prevent future attacks by remembering past infections. The Nussbaumer Method teaches that understanding probodies in this way helps simplify immunology, making it more intuitive, memorable, and accurate. Instead of thinking of them as "antibodies fighting against," we recognize them as probodies protecting and supporting us.
BLOOD
Blood: The Life-Flowing Fluid Blood is the body’s transportation system, delivering oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and immune cells while removing waste. It keeps us alive and functioning. Blood is made up of four main parts: Red Blood Cells (RBCs) These carry oxygen using hemoglobin, giving blood its red color. They transport oxygen from the lungs to the body and return with carbon dioxide to be exhaled. White Blood Cells (WBCs) These are the immune system’s warriors, fighting infections and disease. They protect against bacteria, viruses, and other threats. Platelets These help blood clot, stopping bleeding when you get a cut or injury. Without them, even a small wound could bleed uncontrollably. Plasma The liquid part of blood, mostly made of water. It carries nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. Blood is always moving, adapting, and protecting—it’s the lifeline of the body.
WBCS
White Blood Cells (WBCs), Also Known As Leukocytes White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the immune system’s frontline defenders. Unlike RBCs, WBCs have a nucleus and come in different types, each playing a unique role in immunity. Neutrophils fight bacterial infections, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells) regulate long-term immunity, and monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils respond to inflammation, parasites, and allergic reactions. WBCs are continuously produced in the bone marrow and lymphatic system, circulating throughout the blood and tissues to detect and neutralize threats. Changes in WBC count can indicate infection, immune disorders, or hematologic diseases.
CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol: The Essential Fat. Cholesterol is often misunderstood, but it’s actually essential for life. It’s a fat-like substance that helps build cell membranes, produce hormones, and make vitamin D. There are two main types: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – Often called ‘bad’ cholesterol, because too much can build up in arteries, leading to blockages. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – Known as ‘good’ cholesterol, because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood. Your liver makes most of the cholesterol your body needs, but it also comes from foods like eggs, dairy, and meat. While cholesterol is important, too much LDL can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The key isn’t avoiding cholesterol—it’s keeping the right balance.
PLATELETS
Platelets: The Body’s Emergency Responders. Platelets are tiny, powerful cells that stop bleeding and repair injuries. Whenever you get a cut, scrape, or internal damage, platelets rush to the site and form a clot to seal the wound. They do this by sticking together and releasing chemical signals that trigger clotting factors. This creates a protective barrier that prevents excessive blood loss and allows healing to begin. Too few platelets? You risk uncontrolled bleeding. Too many? You could develop harmful clots that lead to strokes or heart attacks. Platelets may be small, but they are life-saving first responders—always ready to protect you.
PLASMA
Plasma: The Lifeline of the Blood. Plasma is the clear, yellowish fluid that makes up about 55% of blood and serves as the transportation system for everything your body needs to function. It’s mostly water (90%), but it also carries nutrients, hormones, proteins, electrolytes, and waste products to and from cells. Key Functions of Plasma ✔️ Carries Nutrients & Hormones – Plasma delivers glucose, amino acids, vitamins, and hormones to the organs that need them. ✔️ Transports Immune Defenses – Probodies (formerly known as antibodies) and immune cells travel through plasma to fight infections. ✔️ Regulates Body Temperature & pH – Plasma helps maintain fluid balance, temperature stability, and the acid-base balance in the body. ✔️ Removes Waste Products – Just like a garbage disposal system, plasma picks up metabolic waste and carries it to the organs for elimination. What Waste Products Are in Plasma? 🚫 Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – Carried to the lungs and exhaled. 🚫 Urea & Creatinine – Processed by the kidneys and excreted in urine. 🚫 Lactic Acid – A byproduct of muscle metabolism, filtered out by the liver. 🚫 Bilirubin – A breakdown product of red blood cells, removed by the liver. 🚫 Toxins & Drugs – Processed by the liver and eliminated through bile or urine. Plasma is more than just fluid—it’s a dynamic transport system, delivering what’s needed and taking away what’s harmful. Without plasma, the body would have no way to distribute nutrients or remove waste, leading to dangerous toxic buildup.
MCV
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): Understanding Red Blood Cell Size MCV, or Mean Corpuscular Volume, measures the average size of red blood cells (RBCs). It’s a key indicator in blood tests used to diagnose anemia and other blood disorders. MCV Ranges and What They Mean: Normal MCV (80-100 fL): Red blood cells are uniform and efficient at carrying oxygen. Low MCV (100 fL) - Macrocytic Anemia: RBCs are larger than normal, commonly linked to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, alcohol use, or liver disease. Since red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport, any change in their size can affect circulation, energy levels, and overall health. MCV is a critical piece of the puzzle in diagnosing why oxygen delivery may be compromised.
CENTRIFUGE
Blood Separation in a Centrifuge: Layers and Lipids. When blood is spun in a centrifuge, it separates into three main layers, each with a distinct role. Plasma (Top Layer – 55%) Mostly water, but also carries nutrients, hormones, waste products, and proteins like albumin and clotting factors. This is where lipids—including cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL—are found, transported by lipoproteins. If lipid levels are too high, plasma may appear milky or cloudy, a condition called lipemia. Buffy Coat (Middle Layer –
HEMOGLOBIN
Hemoglobin: The Oxygen Transporter. Hemoglobin is the molecule that keeps you alive. Found inside red blood cells, it’s responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide to be exhaled. Each hemoglobin molecule contains iron, which binds to oxygen—this is what gives blood its red color. When oxygen attaches, blood turns bright red; when oxygen is released, it becomes darker. Without enough hemoglobin, the body struggles to get oxygen to muscles, organs, and tissues, leading to fatigue, weakness, and anemia. It’s not just a protein—it’s the lifeline that fuels every cell.
RBCS
Red Blood Cells (RBCs), Also Known As Erythrocytes Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are the primary transport cells in the blood, delivering oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide for exhalation. They are rich in hemoglobin, the iron-containing protein responsible for oxygen binding. RBCs are produced in the bone marrow and have a lifespan of about 120 days before being filtered out by the spleen and liver. Their biconcave shape allows for flexibility and efficient gas exchange, ensuring the body's metabolic needs are met.
NM CHOLESTEROL
Cholesterol & The Nussbaumer Method for Calcium Ions. Cholesterol has long been blamed for heart disease, but the real issue may be something deeper—calcium ions. Using the Nussbaumer Method, we can see that calcium ions actually ride on the back of LDL cholesterol. This isn’t just a cholesterol problem—it’s a calcium ion crisis. Here’s how it works: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) isn’t the enemy—it’s a carrier. It transports calcium ions through the bloodstream. When calcium ions become excessive or dysregulated, they hitch a ride on LDL and deposit into artery walls, leading to hardening of arteries and plaque buildup—this is what truly drives cardiovascular disease. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) tries to clean up the excess, but when calcium ion regulation is off, the damage continues. This shifts the focus from just lowering cholesterol to understanding calcium ion metabolism. The real question isn’t, ‘How do we lower LDL?’ but instead, ‘How do we regulate calcium ions?’ The Nussbaumer Method challenges the standard view and offers a new way to approach heart health—by targeting the true root cause.
FIBRIN
Fibrin: The Body’s Natural Glue. Fibrin is the protein that holds everything together when you get injured. It forms a mesh-like net that traps platelets and red blood cells, creating a strong blood clot to stop bleeding. When platelets detect damage, they release signals that activate fibrinogen, a protein floating in the blood. This protein transforms into fibrin strands, weaving a protective barrier over the wound. Without fibrin, blood would never solidify, and wounds wouldn’t heal properly. But too much fibrin can also cause dangerous clots, leading to strokes or blockages. It’s the body’s natural glue, keeping us safe, sealed, and healing.
NM PLASMA
The Nussbaumer Method of Plasma: Creation, Not Separation For decades, medical textbooks have taught that plasma is simply the liquid portion of blood, making up 55% of its volume—a passive carrier of nutrients, hormones, and waste. But what if that understanding is fundamentally flawed? Plasma is not just a component of blood—it is a reaction, a creation, not a separation. When blood is spun in a centrifuge, what we see as plasma is not simply a pre-existing liquid that separates from the cells. It is something the blood creates in real time as a response to the stress and trauma of centrifugation. This aligns with the Calcium Ion Crisis, where trauma forces an innate biological reaction. The same principle applies here: when blood is subjected to stress, it reacts—producing plasma, shifting its contents, and altering its properties. What is Plasma Really? It is not just water and proteins—it is a biological adaptation, dynamically changing in response to the body’s needs. It is the medium of survival, holding the byproducts of immune defense, coagulation, and trauma response. It carries waste products, but those wastes are not merely transported—they are the result of cellular reactions to stress, infection, and damage. The composition of plasma is not fixed—it shifts based on environmental triggers, disease states, and immune activation. Plasma and the Waste Response Traditional medicine lists plasma’s waste products as urea, creatinine, lactic acid, and carbon dioxide, assuming they are pre-existing metabolic leftovers. But under the Nussbaumer Method, these are not just wastes—they are signals of reaction, evidence of biological stressors, and markers of the body's constant adaptation. When we analyze plasma, we are not just looking at what’s left in the blood—we are looking at what the blood has created in response to its conditions. Why Does This Matter? If plasma is a reaction, not a static fluid, then every diagnostic test measuring it must be re-evaluated. If plasma is created under stress, how does centrifugation itself alter diagnostic results? If plasma changes dynamically, how much of what we call "normal ranges" in lab work are just reflections of trauma response? Just as we once misunderstood plaque as a passive buildup of cholesterol, we have misunderstood plasma as a simple transporter. It is far more than that—it is living evidence of the body's adaptive survival mechanisms. The Nussbaumer Method of Plasma reframes blood analysis, forcing medicine to ask: what is plasma truly telling us?
NM MCV
The Nussbaumer Method: MCV as a Marker for the Calcium Ion Immune Response. In the Nussbaumer Method, MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) isn’t just a measure of red blood cell size—it’s an indicator of an immune response triggered by calcium ion dysregulation. Benign tumors, which are typically considered harmless, are actually recognized by the body as a threat because they often contain microorganisms. This sets off a calcium ion immune response in red blood cells, leading to increased MCV. How This Leads to Disease: As red blood cells increase in size, they become less flexible, making it harder to pass through narrow capillary networks. This can lead to vascular blockages, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. The presence of elevated MCV may indicate underlying calcium ion dysregulation, rather than just a simple vitamin deficiency. Rather than viewing MCV changes in isolation, the Nussbaumer Method redefines it as a marker of systemic immune and vascular stress, shifting the focus from treating symptoms to identifying the root cause—calcium ion mismanagement in response to benign tumor activity.
NM CENTRIFUGE
The Nussbaumer Method: The Centrifuge Creates Plasma, It Doesn’t Just Separate Blood For decades, centrifugation has been viewed as a simple separation process—spinning blood to divide it into layers of plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells. But this assumption is flawed. The centrifuge does not merely separate plasma—it creates it. How the Centrifuge Triggers Plasma Formation. When blood is spun at high speeds, mechanical trauma occurs. This force disrupts cellular stability, triggering the release of calcium ions from the endoplasmic reticulum. Cells experience stress from the centrifuge's force. Calcium ions flood into the surrounding fluid. Plasma is actively generated as a reaction to this mechanical trauma. This means that plasma is not a pre-existing, passive component waiting to be separated—it is formed in response to stress. Why This Changes Everything in Diagnostics Current medical testing assumes that plasma is already in the blood, and the centrifuge simply isolates it. In reality, the act of spinning the blood itself changes what we are measuring. Every blood test result influenced by centrifugation is analyzing a reaction, not a static condition. The True Role of the Centrifuge Not a separator, but a creator—the centrifuge actively generates plasma by inducing mechanical stress. A diagnostic distortion—what we think we are measuring may not represent the body’s natural state, but rather its response to trauma. Requiring a new approach—instead of assuming plasma is always there, we must ask: How is it forming? What triggers it? What does that mean for our understanding of disease? The centrifuge does not just divide blood into layers—it initiates a biological response that forms plasma in real time. This revolutionary insight shifts the way we interpret blood diagnostics, demanding a new approach to how we understand, measure, and analyze what’s truly happening inside the body.