Lymphoid system

Question 1

Origin of lymphoid cells (in foetus)?

Answer 1

Haematopoietic stem cells (from liver)

Question 2

Origin of lymphoid cells (post natal)?

Answer 2

Haematopoietic stem cells (from bone marrow)

Question 3

What are the 2 central (primary) lymphoid tissues?

Answer 3

Bone marrow

Thymus

Question 4

What are the 2 main peripheral (secondary) lymphoid tissues

Answer 4

Lymph nodes

Spleen

Question 5

What is the main function of the lymphoid system?

Answer 5

Returns lymph to the circulation

• prevents excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues (oedema)
• important immune defence system

Question 6

After which surgery may lymphedema present?

Answer 6

Post axillary surgery for breast cancer

Question 7

Name 3 groups of lymph nodes that can be palpated

Answer 7

Cervical
Axillary
Inguinal

Question 8

How may you assess lymph node groups that are internal (e.g. para-aortic lymph nodes)

Answer 8

Radiologically

Question 9

Describe a lymph node

Answer 9

Small
Oval shaped
Up to 2.5cm

Question 10

What are lymphatic vessels

Answer 10

Lymph nodes are located here
Vascular channels that collect fluid from tissues and return it to the bloodstream
Allows the passive movement of fluid

Question 11

In the lymph node, where does the efferent vessel leave?

Answer 11

From the hilum

Question 12

Where do arterial and venous vessels serving the lymph node enter/exit?

Answer 12

Hilum

Question 13

The lymphoid system houses cells of the innate/adaptive immune system?

Answer 13

Innate

Question 14

Name 3 cell populations that are found in lymph nodes

Answer 14

Lymphocytes (T cells, B cells, NK cells) 
Macrophages 
APCs
Dendritic cells 
Endothelial cells

Question 15

CD20 is a T cell marker. True or false ?

Answer 15

False

- CD20 is a B cell marker

Question 16

CD3 is a T cell marker. True or false?

Answer 16

True

Question 17

The spleen is a primary/secondary lymphoid organ?

Answer 17

Secondary

Question 18

A normal spleen is palpable. True or false?

Answer 18

False

- not usually palpable unless substantially enlarged

Question 19

Spleen - what is it supplied by and what is this a branch of?

Answer 19

Splenic artery

- branch of coeliac axis

Question 20

Spleen - what is it drained by and what is this a branch of?

Answer 20

Splenic vein

Question 21

Spleen parenchyma contents

Answer 21

Red pulp

White pulp

Question 22

Spleen parenchyma - what does red pulp contain

Answer 22

Sinusoids

Cords

Question 23

What is the function of the spleen

Answer 23

Acts as a filter for blood

- detects, retains and eliminates unwanted, foreign or damaged material

Question 24

Spleen parenchyma - what does the white pulp contain

Answer 24

Peri-arteriolar lymphoid sheath (PALS)

- CD4+ lymphoid cells

Question 25

Splenomegaly - features

Answer 25

Dragging sensation in LUQ
Discomfort with eating
Pain (if infarction)

Question 26

Hypersplenism is a triad of:

Answer 26

1. Splenomegaly
2. Fall in one or more cellular components of blood
3. Correction of cytopenias by splenectomy

Question 27

Splenomegaly - causes

Answer 27

Infection
Congestion (portal) 
Haematological diseases 
Inflammatory conditions 
Storage diseases

Question 28

Hyposplenism - what is the most common cause

Answer 28

Splenectomy

Question 29

Hyposplenism - pathology

Answer 29

Reduced red pulp function

Question 30

Howel-Jolly Bodies are seen with?

Answer 30

Hyposplenism