2.1.1 Role of Lymphatic System

Question 1

What are the roles of the Lymphatic System?

Answer 1

• Remove excess fluid from interstitial space
• Immune defence and surveillance - physical and phagocytic barrier, source of lymphocytes
• Returns small proteins and fluid that leaked from capillaries

Question 2

What is Lymphoedema?

Answer 2

Tissue fluid accumulation
Usually in lower and upper limbs

(Doesn’t tend to affect head and neck, [gravity])

Question 3

What is Lymphadenopathy?

Answer 3

Enlarged lymph nodes due to infection or malignancy

Common in neck region

Question 4

Why can pathologies lead to involvement of several lymph nodes?

Answer 4

All material transported in lymph passes through 1 or more nodes before reaching circulation

Question 5

What are the different types of filtering in lymph nodes?

Answer 5

• Physical filter
• Phagocytic filter
• Full of lymphocytes, T and B cells- activate and proliferate in response to antigens can lead to enlargement

Question 6

What are the regions where lymph nodes can be palpated?

Answer 6

• Neck
• Axilla
• Groin

Some nodes when enlarged still not palpable

Question 7

Where are the majority of lymph nodes found?

Answer 7

In the neck ~300
Many of these can be palpable

Cervical lymph nodes can be palpable in well children

Question 8

What is Waldeyer’s Ring?

Answer 8

Annular collection of Lymphoid Tissue surrounding the upper aeordigestive tract

Question 9

What tonsils make up Waldeyer’s ring?

Answer 9

• Pharyngeal
• Tubal
• Palatine
• Lingual

Question 10

What is the issue with enlargement of pharyngeal tonsils?(adenoids)

Answer 10

Can lead to obstruction of nasal breathing

Blockage of eustachian tube, leading to middle ear problems as tube unable to equalise ear pressure