Lecture 2 Cervical lymph system Flashcards
Functions of the lymphatic system
- Remove excess fluid from the interstitial space
- Immune defence and surveillance - source of lymphocytes (T and B cells) and phagocytic and physical barrier
- Returns small proteins including pathogens and fluid that leaks from capillaries
Lymphoedema
Pooling of lymph
Lymphadenopathy
Swollen lymph nodes due to infection or malignancy
Why do lymph nodes enlarge secondary to infection
The immune defence is stimulated by antigens therefore T and B lymphocytes are activated and proliferate causing swelling
Difference between lymphadenopathy due to infection and malignancy
In infection lymph nodes are:
- tender
- mobile
Malignancy:
- hard
- matted
- non tender
- rubbery - lymphoma
- less mobile
- fast growing
Where are superficial lymph nodes found
Within superficial cervical fascia
Not normally palpable
Where are deep lymph nodes found
Deep to the investing fascia in the carotid sheath
Associated with the IJV route
Lymphatic drainage
Deep structure such as the thyroid gland, trachea, larynx , pharynx and oesophagus directly drain into deep lymph nodes
Superficial lymph nodes drain into deep lymph nodes
Superficial lymph nodes
Preauricular Postauricular Submental Submandibular occipital
Which superficial lymph nodes are associated with the EJV route
Posterior cervical lymph nodes
posterior truangle
Which superficial lymph nodes are associated with the AJV route
Anterior cervical lymph nodes
anterior triangle
Which lymph nodes swell if a patient has conjunctivitis
Preauricular lymph nodes
Which lymph nodes swell if a patient has an ear infection
Post auricular lymph nodes
Deep cervical lymph nodes
Jugulo-digastric
Jugulo-omohyoid
Supraclavicular
Features of deep cervical lymph nodes
Deep to the SCM
Run along the route of the IJV in the carotid sheath
