Lymph - TEST 1 Flashcards
(24 cards)
What are the main components of the lymphatic system?
Lymph fluid, collecting ducts, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils, adenoids, Peyer patches, and lymph tissue in multiple body systems.
What processes are involved in the immunologic and metabolic function of the lymphatic system?
Lymph fluid movement, filtration, lymphocyte and antibody production, phagocytosis, fat absorption, and pathway for malignancy spread.
What is the function of the thymus?
Site for T-cell production; essential in infancy and childhood for developing immune function.
What is the function of the spleen?
Destroys old RBCs, produces antibodies, stores RBCs, and filters microorganisms.
What is the function of Peyer patches?
Immune surveillance of the intestinal tract, facilitating immune response.
What are lymphatic considerations in infants and children?
Immature antibody production at birth, large thymus and tonsils (until around 7yo), reactive lymph tissue, shotty nodes common. BUT supraclavicular and suprasternal node abnormalities always warrant referral or further assessment
How does pregnancy affect the lymphatic system?
Leads to temporary remission of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.
What changes occur in the lymphatic system with aging?
Diminished number and size of lymph nodes, more fibrotic and fatty nodes, reduced infection resistance.
What are the physical signs of lymphatic disorders?
Lymphadenopathy, lymphangitis (red streaks), and lymphedema.
What node characteristic is concerning for malignancy?
Hard, fixed, rapidly enlarging node, especially left supraclavicular (Virchow node)
What is acute lymphangitis?
Inflammation of lymphatic vessels, causes red streaking from infection site toward the heart.
What is acute suppurative lymphadenitis?
Infection/inflammation of lymph node affecting one or a localized group of nodes. The lymph nodes become enlarged and the patient experiences pain and fatigue.
Suppurative= supportive = with friends!
What is lymphatic filariasis?
Massive lymphedema throughout the body caused by parasitic infection; most common cause of secondary lymphedema. (Elephantitis)
What is Hodgkin disease?
A malignant lymphoma with specific cellular characteristics.
What is Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Malignant neoplasm of the lymphatic and reticuloendothelial tissues.
What is a “shotty” lymphnode?
Firm but mobile
What is lymphangioma?
Also called Cystic hygroma. Congenital painless cystic masses usually during the first year of life, and usually enlarged after an upper respiratory infection, that BLOCK lymphatic system. Asymptomatic if anterior, if lateral can cause swallowing or airway problems. May be large enough to distort face and neck.
What is toxoplasmosis?
Zoonosis caused by parasite. Undercooked meat, raw eggs, cat feces or litter. Immunosuppressed (neurologic symptoms)/pregnant. Generally no significiant symptoms, but can cause serious congenital infection if exposed during pregnancy. Single node chronically enlarged and non-tender. Node is usually in the posterior cervical chain.
Herpes Simplex effect on lymph system?
May report enlarged lymph nodes, anterior cervical and submandibular. Will be firm, movable, and tender.
What is cat scratch disease?
Common cause of subacute or chronic lymphadenitis in children caused by bacteria from a bite, scratch, or other penetrating injury from a cat. Inoculation leasion pustule lasts 3-5 days, becomes vesicular and crusts in 2-3 days. Lymphadenopathy develops in 1-2 weeks in the region that drains the primary lesion. Diagnostic if nodes can be very large lasting more than 3 weeks. Can last 2-4 months or longer.
What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
Enlarged lymph nodes, severe fatigue, malaise, persistent weight loss, fever, persistent diarrhea. Will have generalized lymphadenopathy.
What clinical findings suggest cervical adenitis?
A swollen node can be separated from the bone.
Fingers can separate the node from the angle so that the hard sharpness of the bone can be felt.
At which age does a child’s mass of lymphoid tissue increase the most?
6-9yo
How to distinguish cervical adenitis from mumps?
Cervical adenitis does not ordinarily obscure the angle of the jaw. You can separate the node from the angle so you can feel the hard sharpness of the bone.
Mumps has a somewhat painful swelling of the parotid glands unilaterally or bilaterally, occasionally salivary glands along the mandible. However, the swelling can obscure the angle of the jaw and will not move on palpation.
