Assessment of the Lymphatic System Flashcards
What is the function of the lymphatic system?
Regulation and maintenance of fluids, helps large molecules enter the blood, delivers nutrients, removes wastes, provides immunologic surveillance, defense against infections, abnormal body cells, and foreign proteins
How many lymphatic trunks are there in the body?
9
Where are the lymphatic trunks located?
- lumbar (2)
- bronchomediastinal (2)
- subclavian (2)
- jugular (2)
- intestinal (1)
How are lymphatic organs classified?
according to primary and secondary organs
What are the primary lymphatic organs?
the red bone marrow and the thymus
What are the secondary lymphatic organs?
lymph nodes, lymphoid tissues, the spleen, the tonsils, the appendix
Where do primary B and T cells originiate?
bone marrow
Where do B cells mature?
the bone marrow
Where do T cells mature?
the thymus
Where is the thymus located?
within the mediastinum posterior to the sternum
What two types of lymphoid tissue exist?
mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)
At what point do antibodies develop?
When B cells turn into plasma cells after receiving a signal from helper T cells.
What type of B cell generates a faster secondary response?
memory B cells
What type of immunoglobulins are there?
IgG, IgE, IgD, IgM, IgA
How do immunoglobulins function?
They identify foreign pathogens and hold onto the antigen to prevent further damage to the body
What is immunoglobulin function also known as?
acquired immunity
What is passive immunity?
immunity produced through the transfer of antibodies from one person to another. (ex: baby to mother)
What is active immunity?
naturally acquired immunity (ex: getting the flu or flu vaccine)
What are some red flags regarding lymph nodes?
Hard Fixed Matted >1cm in size Generalized Unilateral Associated with systemic symptoms (weight loss, fever, night sweats)
When is a lymph node considered abnormal?
any time it can be palpated no matter the size
In which locations should the lymph nodes be palpated?
periauricular parotid retropharyngeal (tonsillar) submandibular (submaxilarry) submental anterior cervical supraclavicular occipital postauricular posterior cervical axillary subclavicular external mammary epitrochlear inguinal
What are some laboratory considerations for the lymphatic system?
CBC assesses immune function
Chem panel
Specific tests for infections: CXR, UA, ESR, CRP
Bone marrow biopsy
What is the recommended diagnostic study for lymphadenopathy?
ultrasonography
What test is utilized to assess lymphatic malformations and lymph drainage patterns?
Lymphoscintigraphy
In lymphoma where do tumors form?
Tumors develop from the T and B cells
What is sarcoidosis?
An inflammatory disease in which granulomas (tiny pockets of inflammatory cells) develop and form in organs of the body most commonly in the lung, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin.
When do lymph nodes pose a very low risk of being neoplastic?
When they are enlarged for less than 2 weeks or greater than 12 months without changing in size
Do lymph nodes pulsate?
No
What lymph node is known to be highly suspicious for thoracic or abdominal malignancy?
A palpable lymph node, Virchow’s node, located in the left supraclavicular area.
