Lymph Nodes Anatomy and Structure
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Questions and Answers

What are the primary cells located in the paracortex of a lymph node?

  • T cells (correct)
  • Plasma cells
  • Macrophages
  • B lymphocytes

    • Which structure serves as the first point of entry for lymph into a lymph node?

  • Afferent lymphatics (correct)
  • Capsule
  • Efferent lymphatics
  • Medullary sinuses

    • What is the role of the medullary cords in the lymph node?

  • Contain reticular cells
  • House B lymphocytes and plasma cells (correct)
  • Present antigens to T cells
  • Filter pathogens

    • What ensures unidirectional flow of lymph through the lymphatics?

    <p>Valves</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structure do activated B cells form in response to antigen exposure?

    <p>Germinal centers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of cells are responsible for phagocytosing foreign materials in lymph nodes?

    <p>Macrophages</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is formed when memory B cells differentiate after activation?

    <p>Plasma cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which lymph node structure primarily contains reticular cells and is involved in the filtration process?

    <p>Medullary sinuses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What dominates the nodular cortex of a lymph node?

    <p>Lymphatic nodules</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary route for antibodies produced in the lymph nodes to enter the bloodstream?

    <p>Efferent lymphatics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of lymph nodes?

    <p>To act as immunological filters for lymph</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the structure of lymph nodes?

    <p>Lymph nodes consist of a capsule and a meshwork of reticular fibers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are trabeculae in the context of lymph nodes?

    <p>They are thin connective tissue partitions within the lymph node.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which region of the lymph node is described as containing lymphatic nodules?

    <p>Outer cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the subcapsular sinus in lymph nodes?

    <p>It collects lymph from afferent lymphatics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the paracortex of a lymph node?

    <p>It is free of lymphatic nodules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of connective tissue primarily composes the capsule of a lymph node?

    <p>Densely packed collagen fibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the hilum of a lymph node serve in its structure?

    <p>It is the area where lymphatic vessels exit and arteries enter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the distinguishing feature of the inner medulla of a lymph node?

    <p>It is lightly staining compared to the cortex.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of high endothelial venules (HEVs) in the paracortex?

    <p>To facilitate the migration of lymphocytes from the blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic distinguishes secondary lymphatic nodules from primary nodules?

    <p>Presence of germinal centers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs in the medullary cords of the lymph node?

    <p>Production of antibodies by plasma cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about the filtration function of lymph nodes is accurate?

    <p>Lymph nodes filter harmful microorganisms and cancer cells effectively</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the mantle zone in secondary lymphatic nodules?

    <p>To provide a peripheral layer of tightly arranged B lymphocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of lymphocyte predominantly remains in the paracortex of lymph nodes?

    <p>T lymphocytes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of epithelium lines the high endothelial venules (HEVs)?

    <p>Cuboidal epithelium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the flow of lymph through lymph nodes?

    <p>It passes from the subcapsular sinus to the cortical sinuses before reaching medullary sinuses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much of the total lymphocytes is estimated to enter lymph nodes through high endothelial venules?

    <p>90%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initiates the growth of lymph nodes in response to infection?

    <p>Formation of germinal centers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what situation are lymph nodes most likely to cause painful swelling?

    <p>Infection leading to enlarged lymph nodes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of a malignant tumor's cancer cells detaching into the lymphatic system?

    <p>They can form secondary tumors in lymph nodes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can lymph nodes do if a small number of cancer cells enter them?

    <p>Utilize lymphocyte proliferation to destroy them</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the presence of metastatic cancer cells in lymph nodes significant?

    <p>It helps in determining treatment options</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically characterizes swollen lymph nodes due to infection?

    <p>They are often painless and rubbery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common location for lymph nodes to swell during an immune response?

    <p>In the neck or groin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes to the prognosis assessment in cancer patients?

    <p>The presence of metastatic cancer cells in lymph nodes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What change in lymph nodes occurs when there is an increased number of cancer cells?

    <p>Painless swelling and tumor formation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the secondary immune response in lymph nodes?

    <p>Contact with previously encountered antigens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Lymph Nodes

    • Lymph nodes are small, oval or bean-shaped bodies
    • They are interposed in the pathway of large lymphatic vessels
    • Range in size from about 1 mm to 20 mm
    • Each node has a concave contour except at an indented region on one side, the hilum
    • Afferent lymphatic vessels enter the node on the side, and efferent lymphatic vessels leave the node at the hilum
    • Each lymph node is supplied by a large number of afferent lymphatic vessels that enter the lymph node at various points along its convex surface
    • Each lymph node is covered by a connective tissue capsule
    • Trabeculae extend into the interior of the node

    Parenchyma of the Lymph Nodes

    • The parenchyma of a lymph node can be divided into two regions: an outer, darkly staining cortex and an inner, lightly staining medulla
    • The cortex contains lymphatic nodules and is further divided into:
      • Nodular cortex (superficial cortex): Contains primary and secondary lymphatic nodules
      • Paracortex (deep cortex): A thymus-dependent zone (contains aggregated T lymphocytes)
    • Medulla: Contains medullary cords and medullary sinuses
      • Medullary cords: Contain B lymphocytes, plasma cells, and sometimes B memory cells.
      • Medullary sinuses: Lined by discontinuous endothelium-like simple squamous epithelium, with a meshwork of processes of the reticular cells.

    Functions of Lymph Nodes

    • Filtration of lymph
    • Activation and proliferation of lymphocytes
    • The afferent lymphatics penetrate the capsule and deliver the lymph into the subcapsular sinus. Valves in the afferent lymphatics prevent flow of lymph in the reverse direction. From the subcapsular sinus, the lymph passes into cortical sinuses, which deliver the lymph to the medulla.
    • About 90% of lymphocytes enter the lymph node through the afferent lymphatics. About 10% of lymphocytes of B type move to the nodular cortex, while T lymphocytes remain in the paracortex.

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    Description

    Explore the structure and function of lymph nodes in this quiz. Learn about their shape, size, and the organization of their parenchyma, including the cortex and medulla. Test your knowledge of lymph node anatomy and the associated lymphatic vessels.

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