Week 5 - Lymphatic System and Associated Disorders Flashcards
Outline the different types and functions of:
c) Supporting cells
produce a connective tissue stroma (‘blanket’) for lymphoid tissues and organs
What clinical features may be associated with splenomegaly?
If portal hypertension… varicose veins, ascites
NOT SURE??
Use the following headings to compare and contrast Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
b) Likelihood of extranodal involvement
HL - extranodal lymphoid involvement is uncommon
NHL - extranodal lymphoid involvement is common, and features reflect affected organs
How would you introduce the spleen in the setting of a lab exam (structure/function/location)?
- Structure = largest lymphoid organ, roughly the size of a clenched fist and shaped as an ovoid.
- Location = found within the left hypochondriac region or LUQ behind stomach; it is roughly deep to ribs 9-11 and rests on the left colic flexure
- Function = BREWRI Blood filter (macrophages remove debris, foreign matter)
Reservoir (blood, platelets, monocytes)
Erhthropoiesis (involved in production of RBC)
When needed, spleen contracts and releases these substances into the circulation
Recycles by-products of RBC breakdown
Immunity (site for lymphocyte proliferation, surveillance and response)
What strategies can be used to manipulate the human microbiome?
- human nutrition
- antibiotics
- microbial supplementation (probiotic)
Describe the functions of lymphoid tissue
- proliferation site for lymphocytes
- surveillance point for lymphocytes and macrophages
Define microbiota
A collection of microbes
Differentiate a primary lymphoid organ from a secondary lymphoid organ. Provide examples.
Primary lymphoid organ - site of B and T cells maturation e.g. red bone marrow; thymus gland
Secondary lymphoid organ - site where mature B and T cells first encounter their antigens and become activated e.g. lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, appendix
How would you introduce a lymph node in the setting of a lab exam (structure/function/location)?
Structure - gross structure is covered by dense fibrous capsule, compartmentalised by trabeculae and supported by a stroma of reticular connective tissue
Location - lymph nodes are widely distributed secondary lymphoid organs, clustered along lymphatic vessels
Function - house lymphocytes and macrophages; site of immune system activation; filtering of lymph (microorganisms, debris)
Use the following headings to compare and contrast Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
c) Compressive features
HL -
- occur secondary to nodal enlargement
- dysphagia, dyspnoea, engorged neck veins, neural compression
NHL -
- occur secondary to nodal enlargement
What name is given to the tumour formed in multiple myeloma?
Plasmacytomas
Provide examples of conditions that have been associated with (i) the GIT microbiome and (ii) the vaginal/urethral microbiome
GIT -
- dental cavities
- peptic ulceration
- obesity
- ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease
- irritable bowel syndrome
- sleep, mood, stress disorders
Vaginal and urethral microbiome -
- bacterial vaginosis
- recurrent UTIs
- susceptibility to infection during pregnancy
- pre-term birth
Outline the common sites for the development of plasmacytomas
Intraosseous plasmacytomas - vertebral column, ribs, skull, pelvis, femur, clavicle, scapula
May commonly spread to: lymph nodes, other bones, spleen, liver, kidneys, lungs
List three factors that can influence the flow of lymph
There are many factors affecting flow of lymph:
- rhythmic contraction of lymphatic vessels (thin layer of smooth muscles) and pulsations of nearby arteries
- intermittent pressure on lymphatic vessels (e.g. skeletal muscle contractions, movement of viscera)
- pressure changes in the thorax during respiration
- flow is almost negligible in an immobile limb
- effect of removing lymphatic vessels, leading to lymphoedema
Summarise the pathophysiology of glandular fever – including the progression of the disease and the body’s immune response
- EBV initially infects the oropharynx, nasopharynx and salivary epithelial cells
- later, extends into lymphoid tissues and B cells
Then.. Adaptive immune response:
- unaffected B cells produce antibodies against EBV
- cytotoxic T cells attack virus-infected B-cells directly
- enlargement of lymphoid tissues occurs due to proliferation of lymphocytes and removal of dead/damaged B cells
Define the term multiple myeloma
Lymphoid malignancy of the bone marrow, characterised by the uncontrolled replication of plasma (immunoglobulin-secreting) cells
Describe two functions of the lymphatic system
- circulatory function (returns fluid that has leaked from the vascular system to the blood; transports nutrients, hormones and wastes)
- immunity (lymphocytes housed within lymphoid organs are activated by immune responses; some lymphoid organs also contain macrophages, which engulf foreign material)
Differentiate diffuse lymphoid tissue from lymphoid follicles
- diffuse lymphoid tissue have a loose arrangement of lymphoid cells and reticular fibres; occur in most organs of the body e.g. lamina propria of the GIT
- lymphoid follicles ave a solid, spherical bodies consisting of tightly packed lymphoid cells and reticular fibres; form part of lymphoid organs; have germinal centres of proliferating B lymphocytes
Define glandular fever. How may the disease be transmitted?
Acute infection of B lymphocytes with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), also referred to as infectious mononucleosis
Transmitted through close personal contact - most commonly, saliva. i.e. mucosal secretions of the respiratory tract, genital tract, blood
Explain how dysbiosis can potentially lead to disease
Shifts a healthy microbiome to a disease-associated state
Disease can arise when…
- microbiome diversity increases at sites that normally have restricted diversity
- or when there is reduced diversity at body sites that usually have great diversity
The capsule of the spleen also contains elastin and collagen fibres. What ability do these fibres give to the spleen?
Ability to change in size - the spleen can enlarge when the body requires an increased proliferation of lymphocytes
NOT SURE ABOUT THIS ANSWER
Outline the different types and functions of:
b) Auxiliary immune cells
- Macrophages = phagocytosis, enhancement of inflammatory response, presentation of antigens to T cells
- Dendritic cells = present antigens to naive lymphocytes (initiates adaptive immune response)
Define pathogen
An organism that is detrimental to the host or causes disease