Lymph Nodes Flashcards

Study lymph node anatomy, including their distribution, internal structure, lymphatic circulation, immune functions, and clinical significance.

Card 1 of 30Question

How are lymph nodes classified within the lymphatic system?

As secondary lymphatic organs.

In This Section

1. How are lymph nodes classified within the lymphatic system?

As secondary lymphatic organs.

2. What is the primary function of lymph nodes?

To filter lymph and provide sites for antigen recognition, lymphocyte activation, and immune responses.

3. Where are lymph nodes located?

Along lymphatic vessels throughout the body, often clustered near major blood vessels and anatomical junctions.

4. What is the typical external shape of a lymph node?

Bean-shaped or oval, with a convex surface and a concave hilum.

5. What surrounds the outer surface of a lymph node?

A dense connective tissue capsule.

6. What are lymph node trabeculae?

Connective tissue extensions from the capsule that project into the node and provide structural support.

7. What type of tissue forms the internal supporting framework of a lymph node?

Reticular connective tissue containing reticular fibers and stromal cells.

8. What are the three major anatomical regions of a lymph node?

The cortex, paracortex, and medulla.

9. Which region of a lymph node contains lymphoid follicles?

The outer cortex.

10. Which lymphocytes are predominantly associated with cortical lymphoid follicles?

B lymphocytes.

11. What distinguishes a secondary lymphoid follicle from a primary follicle?

A secondary follicle contains a germinal center formed during an antigen-driven immune response.

12. What occurs within the germinal centers of lymph nodes?

Activated B cells proliferate, undergo affinity maturation, and differentiate into memory and antibody-producing cell lineages.

13. Where is the paracortex located within a lymph node?

Between the outer cortex and the medulla.

14. Which lymphocyte population predominates in the lymph node paracortex?

T lymphocytes.

15. What are high endothelial venules in lymph nodes?

Specialized postcapillary venules that allow circulating lymphocytes to enter lymph node tissue from the blood.

16. In which lymph node region are high endothelial venules particularly prominent?

The paracortex.

17. What are the two principal structural components of the lymph node medulla?

Medullary cords and medullary sinuses.

18. Which cells are commonly found within the medullary cords?

Plasma cells, B lymphocytes, and macrophages.

19. What is the function of medullary sinuses?

They conduct lymph toward the efferent vessels while allowing macrophages to remove particulate material.

20. How does lymph normally enter a lymph node?

Through multiple afferent lymphatic vessels entering its convex surface.

21. What is the subcapsular sinus?

A lymph-filled space immediately beneath the capsule that receives lymph from afferent vessels.

22. What is the usual sequence of lymph flow through a lymph node?

Afferent vessels, subcapsular sinus, cortical or trabecular sinuses, medullary sinuses, and efferent vessels.

23. Where does lymph normally leave a lymph node?

Through efferent lymphatic vessels at the hilum.

24. Which structures enter or leave a lymph node through its hilum?

Efferent lymphatic vessels, arteries, veins, and nerves.

25. Which lymph node groups drain much of the head and neck?

The cervical lymph nodes, including superficial and deep cervical groups.

26. Which lymph node group receives much of the lymphatic drainage from the upper limb?

The axillary lymph nodes.

27. Which lymph node group receives much of the superficial lymphatic drainage from the lower limb?

The superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

28. What is a sentinel lymph node?

The first lymph node or group of nodes receiving lymphatic drainage from a particular tissue region or tumor.

29. What is lymphadenopathy?

An abnormality of lymph nodes, commonly involving enlargement caused by infection, inflammation, or malignancy.

30. Why are lymph nodes important in the spread and staging of cancer?

Tumor cells can travel through lymphatic vessels and establish metastases in regional lymph nodes.