Lymphatic System

Question 1

What are the primary lymphatic (lymphocyte) organs

Answer 1

Thymus and bone marrow

Question 2

What are the secondary lymphatic organs

Answer 2

The spleen

Lymphatic nodules (MALT)

Lymph nodes

Question 3

Spleen function

Answer 3

The spleen is the largest of the lymphatic organs and is a site of lymphocyte proliferation. It acts as a blood reservoir and also functions to breakdown expended erythrocytes and platelets, recycling iron.

The spleen is commonly ovoid in shape and purple- ish in colour. It sits in the upper left quadrant/ hypochondrium of the abdomen
It is considered to be the most vulnerable abdominal organ

Question 4

Two main types of lymphoma

Answer 4

Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non - Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Question 5

Hodgkin’s vs non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Answer 5

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

• Less common
• Usually seen in slightly younger
adults
• Swollen lymph nodes often being in
upper body
• Abnormal lymphocytes known as
Reed-Sternberg present

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• More common
• Usually seen in older adults
• Swollen lymph nodes can be
anywhere
• No Reed-Sternberg lymphocytes
present