Lymph and the Spleen Flashcards
What are lymphatic channels?
Blind-ended vessels that allow for unidirectional flow of lymphatic fluid.
Valves are present to achieve this.
What does lymph nodes allow for?
Cells and molecules to react with the immune system.
What occurs in oedema?
Increased vasodilation, leading to the leakage of fluid into tissues.
What can cause lymphoedema of the upper limb?
Axillary lymph node clearance following breast cancer surgery.
What is Troisier’s sign?
Enlargement of Virchow’s node within the left supraclavicular fossa.
Arises in metastatic abdominal malignancy.
What is a sentinel lymph node?
The lymph node which drains first in the area of a cancer.
How are sentinel lymph nodes identified?
Radioactive isotope/dye
Where are B cells found within the lymph node?
Within follicles - more peripherally.
Where are T cells found within the lymph node?
In the interfollicular tissues - more central.
What results from a lymph node undergoing an immune reaction?
Lymph node enlargement
What cells link the innate and adaptive immune response?
Antigen presenting cells (e.g. macrophages)
What are granulomas?
Circumscribed aggregates of macrophages, with some giant cells present.
Caseous necrosis is pathognomonic of which condition?
Tuberculosis
Is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma more common than Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
No, NHL is most common.
What are causes of hyposplenism?
Splenectomy
Coeliac disease
Sickle cell anaemia
Sarcoidosis
