Lymph Vessel Pathology

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Questions and Answers

Why are the thymus and tonsils important in the early detection of invaders in the body?

  • They are enclosed within a capsule that traps pathogens.
  • They have afferent lymphatic vessels to capture invaders.
  • They filter lymph to remove pathogens.
  • They contain B- and T-lymphocytes that have migrated from bone marrow. (correct)

What is the primary distinction between lymph nodes and the thymus regarding their interaction with lymph?

  • Lymph nodes have afferent lymphatic vessels, whereas the thymus does not. (correct)
  • The thymus contains both B- and T-lymphocytes, but lymph nodes only contain B-lymphocytes.
  • Lymph nodes are encapsulated, but the thymus is not.
  • The thymus filters lymph, while lymph nodes do not.

Where is mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) typically located within the body?

  • Exclusively in the liver and pancreas.
  • Only in bone marrow and the thymus.
  • Throughout the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts. (correct)
  • Primarily in the brain and spinal cord.

What is the role of lymphatic vessels in the spread of malignant disease?

<p>They transport tumour cells to the nearest lymph nodes, potentially leading to metastases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common material that spreads through lymph vessels?

<p>Fragments of tumors and infected material. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do malignant tumors typically spread through the lymphatic system to distant organs?

<p>Tumour cells shed into interstitial fluid, drain into lymphatic vessels, reach lymph nodes, and then spread via the bloodstream. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in lymphangitis?

<p>Inflammation of lymph vessels due to infection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by swelling in tissues due to obstructed lymphatic drainage?

<p>Lymphoedema (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition may result from the surgical removal of axillary lymph nodes during a mastectomy?

<p>Lymphoedema in the affected arm. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can tumours obstruct lymph flow and tissue drainage?

<p>By compressing lymph vessels or growing into a lymph vessel or node. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is generally indicated by a red line extending from an infected hand to the axilla?

<p>Inflamed superficial lymph vessel and adjacent tissues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of chronic lymphoedema?

<p>Low grade inflammation and fibrosis of lymphatic vessels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the role of lymph nodes in filtering lymph, what might their enlargement (lymphadenopathy) indicate?

<p>Active infection or inflammation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is secondary disease in lymph nodes commonly found in people with cancer?

<p>Metastasis via lymph vessels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the primary cause of lymphadenitis?

<p>Infection of the lymph nodes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the crucial distinction between lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy?

<p>Lymphadenitis is caused by infections, while lymphadenopathy describes lymph node enlargement from any cause. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the absence of a capsule in the thymus affect its role in immune responses?

<p>It enables lymphocytes to enter and exit the thymus freely, facilitating maturation without direct pathogen exposure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the mechanism by which tumours utilize lymph vessels from how infections do so?

<p>Tumour cells passively enter lymph vessels via interstitial fluid, while pathogens may actively invade the vessels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically occurs due to the spread of Streptococcus pyogenes infection via lymph vessels?

<p>A red line extends from the area of infection towards regional lymph nodes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does surgical removal of lymph nodes intended to prevent cancer spread sometimes lead to secondary health issues?

<p>It can obstruct lymphatic drainage causing lymphoedema. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the B- and T-lymphocytes within the thymus play in the context of lymphatic function and immune response?

<p>They mature and become capable of recognizing and responding to pathogens. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that lymph nodes filter lymph, why is their involvement in cancer metastasis a significant health concern?

<p>It can lead to the establishment of secondary tumours in distant sites. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the relationship between lymphatic obstruction and lymphoedema, what is a key factor determining the severity of swelling?

<p>The size of the obstructed vessel. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cancer differ from a bacterial infection in terms of its ability to spread through lymph vessels?

<p>Cancer relies on a passive mode of transport, whereas some infections can actively invade and spread. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates lymphangitis caused by a bacterial infection?

<p>Visible red streaks extending from a wound to the axilla, accompanied by fever and swelling. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the location of MALT in the body contribute directly to its function in immune surveillance?

<p>MALT is optimally positioned to encounter antigens entering mucosal sites. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a physician be concerned about removing too many lymph nodes during a surgical procedure, even if those nodes appear unaffected?

<p>Removing lymph nodes could impair lymphatic drainage, increasing the risk of lymphoedema. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a patient presents with unexplained lymph node enlargement, what would be some of the initial steps taken to determine the underlying cause?

<p>Conduct a thorough physical examination and review medical history. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do tumors impact the lymphatic system differently from how infections do?

<p>Tumors compress or invade lymph vessels, but infections tend to stimulate lymph flow. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to the likelihood that a malignant tumour will successfully metastasize via lymphatic vessels?

<p>The tumor's ability to induce lymphangiogenesis (formation of new lymphatic vessels). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do surgical procedures removing breast tissue and lymph nodes near the breast impact the overall architecture and flow dynamics of the lymphatic system?

<p>Can lead to lymphatic accumulation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that infection and tumours both use lymphatic vessels to spread, which statement describes their interaction wih the vessels?

<p>They both commonly disrupt the architecture, leading to further complications. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on content from the text, how do metastatic cells utilize lymph nodes compared to pathogens?

<p>Metastatic cells use lymph nodes to establish secondary growths. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to assess for lymphoedema?

<p>It can be a serious health concern. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are malignant tumors able to spread through the lymphatic system to distant organs?

<p>Tumour cells shed into interstitial fluid, and spread via the bloodstream. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most significant ways infection spreads through the lymphatic system?

<p>If defensive cells are unable to destroy the bacteria, the infection can spread. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following explains how malignant tumors utilize the lymphatic system to metastasize?

<p>They shed cells into the interstitial fluid, which then drain into lymphatic vessels leading to regional lymph nodes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does surgical removal of axillary lymph nodes during a mastectomy contribute to the development of lymphedema in the ipsilateral arm?

<p>By creating an obstruction that disrupts normal lymphatic drainage pathways. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a tumor directly contribute to lymphatic obstruction besides physically compressing lymphatic vessels?

<p>By growing directly into and blocking the lumen of a lymph vessel or node. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the progression of a bacterial infection, what determines whether the infection remains localized within a lymph node or spreads into the bloodstream?

<p>The effectiveness of the defensive cells within the lymph nodes in destroying the microbes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which an infection with Streptococcus pyogenes leads to the appearance of a red line extending from an infected hand to the axilla?

<p>Inflammation of a superficial lymphatic vessel and adjacent tissues due to the spread of infection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is MALT?

MALT is lymphoid tissue found throughout the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts, exposed to the external environment.

Role of lymphatic vessels

Lymphatic vessels play a role in spreading infectious and malignant diseases.

Spread via lymph vessels

Fragments of tumors and infected material.

Malignant tumor spread

Tumor cells shed into interstitial fluid drain into lymphatic vessels and are carried to lymph nodes, potentially forming metastases.

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Infection spread via lymphatics

Pathogens enter lymph vessels from infected tissues. If not destroyed by lymph node defenses, infection spreads.

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What is lymphangitis?

Inflammation of lymph vessels, often seen as a red line in acute bacterial infections.

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Lymphatic obstruction

Lymph accumulates distal to an obstruction.

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Tumors causing lymphatic obstruction

Tumors compressing or growing into lymphatic vessels.

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Surgery-induced lymphatic obstruction

Surgical removal of lymph nodes (e.g., during mastectomy) obstructs lymph drainage.

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Lymphadenitis

Inflammation of lymph nodes

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Lymphadenopathy

Enlargement of lymph nodes

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Lymphoedema

Swelling in tissues due to obstructed lymphatic drainage.

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Splenomegaly

Enlargement of the spleen

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Lymph node structure & function

Structure: capsule, cortex, medulla; Function: filters lymph, immune response.

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Function of sinusoids in the spleen

Sinusoids in the spleen filter blood, removing old/damaged cells and pathogens.

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Breast removal and arm swelling

Removal of breast cancer can disrupt lymphatic drainage, leading to arm swelling.

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Lymphadenitis Definition

Infection of lymph nodes

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Secondary disease and lymph nodes

Lymph nodes become secondary sites for cancer spread.

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Study Notes

  • The thymus gland and related structures are not enclosed within a capsule.
  • They contain B- and T-lymphocytes, which have migrated from bone marrow and the thymus, and are important in the early detection of invaders.
  • They have no afferent lymphatic vessels, they do not filter lymph and are not exposed to diseases spread by lymph.
  • Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, in the respiratory tract, and in the genitourinary tract, all systems of the body exposed to the external environment.
  • The main groups of MALT are the tonsils and aggregated lymphoid follicles (Peyer's patches), which are large collections of lymphoid tissue in the small intestine.

Lymph Vessel Pathology

  • Studying this helps to explain the role of lymphatic vessels in the spread of infectious and malignant disease and to discuss the main causes and consequences of lymphatic obstruction.
  • Main involvements of lymph vessels relate to the spread of disease in the body and the effects of lymphatic obstruction.

Spread of Disease

  • Materials most commonly spread via the lymph vessels from their original site to the circulating blood, include fragments of tumors and infected material.

Malignant Disease

  • Malignant tumors shed cells into the surrounding interstitial fluid, which drains into local lymphatic vessels and carries the tumor cells to the nearest set of lymph nodes
  • Tumor cells in sufficient numbers can establish secondary growths (metastases) and spread to further lymph nodes, and/or via the bloodstream to distant organs.

Lymphatic Obstruction

  • Lymph accumulates distal to the obstruction (lymphoedema) when a lymph vessel is obstructed.
  • The amount of resultant swelling and the size of the area affected depend on the size of the vessel involved.
  • Lymphoedema usually leads to low-grade inflammation and fibrosis of the lymph vessel and further lymphoedema.
  • The most common causes are tumors and surgical removal of lymph nodes.

Tumors

  • Tumors can compress lymph vessels, blocking lymph flow and tissue drainage
  • A tumor may also grow into, and block, a lymph vessel or node, obstructing lymph flow.

Surgery

  • In some surgical procedures, lymph nodes are removed because cancer cells may have already spread to them.
  • This aims to prevent growth of secondary tumors in local lymph nodes and further spread of the disease via the lymphatic system
  • Axillary nodes may be removed during mastectomy (breast removal), which can obstruct lymph drainage and cause lymphoedema of the affected arm.

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