Lymphatics Flashcards
what is the lymphatic system
overflow for drainage of surplus tissue fluid and leaked plasma proteins into bloodstream as well as removal of debris from cellular decomposition and infection
how does most lymph re-enter vascular system
via thoracic duct
what is the exception of lymph re-entering the vascular system
the right superior quadrant which drains into right lymphatic duct
what nodes drain the head and neck
superficial and deep i.e. deep cervical nodes –> right / left subclavian through thoracic or right lymphatic duct
5 main pairs of superficial nodes
- occipital
- posterior auricular
- anterior auricular
- superficial parotid
- facial
how do superficial nodes normally feel
soft, small, free, mobile
how do superficial nodes feel when pathological changes
hard, enlarged and palpable
what nodes cannot be palpated
deep lymph nodes in the head e.g. deep parotid and retropharyngeal
where do deep lymph nodes drain
into the deep cervical nodes
how do nodes of the neck / cervical lymph nodes drain
they are paired and unilaterally drain the right or left tissue, structure or organ in each region depending on their location
what is the exception of node drainage
midline submental nodes which drain tissue in submental triangle bilaterally
4 groups of cervical lymph nodes
- submental
- submandibular
- external jugular
anterior jugular
what do submental lymph nodes drain
lower lip, both sides of chin, floor of mouth and mandibular incisors associated with periodontium and gingiva
what do submandibular lymph nodes drain
unilaterally drain cheeks, upper lip, body of tongue, anterior hard palate and remainder of teeth except maxillary third molars and mandibular incisors
is drainage of the tongue bilateral or unilateral
bilateral
enlarged lymph nodes may indicate
current / past pathology or area of immune activity
explain lymphogenous spread of cancer
cancer cells travel via lymphatics, are filtered and trapped in lymph nodes which become secondary (metastatic) cancer sites
generally how to differentiate between inflammation / infection and malignancy in nodes
inflammation/infection = swollen, tender lymph nodes
malignancy = hard, painless lymph nodes
area of lymph drainage indicates potential location of disease or malignancy for example
submandibular nodes = oral cavity, face, nasal cavity & maxillary sinus
supraclavicular nodes = thorax & abdomen
