Lymphatics of Head and Neck; Breast

Question 1

What are the three main functions of the lymphatic system?

Answer 1

1) Picks ups protein molecules from tissue fluid which are too large to pass through capillaries and transports them to the bloodstream.
2) It returns excess tissue fluid to the blood stream
3) It produces lymphocytes

Question 2

Define: Lymph Node

Answer 2

Swellings found along the lymphatic system. They produce lymphoctes and act as filters for the lymph, preventing foreign bodies from entering the bloodstream.

Question 3

Define: Afferent lymph vessels

Answer 3

drain lymph to a node

Question 4

Define: Efferent lymph vessels

Answer 4

drain lymph from a node

Question 5

What helps move lymph in the lymphatic system?

Answer 5

skeletal muscle contraction

Question 6

What are the superficial nodes of the head?

Answer 6

occipital, mastoid, and parotid

Question 7

*What are the superficial nodes of the neck?

Answer 7

submandibular, submental, anterior cervical and superficial cervical

Question 8

The superficial cervical node follows the course of what vein?

Answer 8

external jugular vein

Question 9

The deeper cervical nodes follow the course of what vein?

Answer 9

internal jugular vein

Question 10

The jugulodigastric node drains what structures?

Answer 10

tongue and palatine tonsil

Question 11

Which deep cervical node is palpable when you have tonsilitis?

Answer 11

jugulodigastric node

Question 12

What type of deep cervical nodes from the right and left jugular trunks?

Answer 12

efferents

Question 13

Where does the right jugular trunk drain?

Answer 13

the junction between the internal jugular and subclavian veins

Question 14

Where does the left jugular trunk drain?

Answer 14

thoracic duct

Question 15

What is the largest lymphatic body?

Answer 15

thoracic duct

Question 16

What is drained by the submental nodes?

Answer 16

central portions of the lower lip, the floor of the mouth and the tip of the tongue

Question 17

What is drained by the submandibular nodes?

Answer 17

drain the cheek, side of the nose, the upper lip, the lateral part of the lower lip, the gums and the margin of the tongue

Question 18

What is the relationship between the lymphatic system and cancer?

Answer 18

The spread of cancer follow the lymphatics which drain the affected region.

Question 19

What is lymphogenous metastasis?

Answer 19

spread of cancer via the lymphatic system, second degree tumors.

Question 20

What is a signal (sentinel) node and what does it indicate?

Answer 20

An enlarged supraclavicular node (usually on the left side); indication of a visceral tumor of the thorax or abdomen

Question 21

What is lymphoma?

Answer 21

a primary tumor of the lymph node, composed of lymphatic tissue

Question 22

What are the two types of lymphomas and which has a better prognosis?

Answer 22

Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s has a better prognosis.

Question 23

When diagnosing a patient, a tender or painful lymph node indicates:

Answer 23

infection

Question 24

When diagnosing a patient, a hard or painless lymph node indicates:

Answer 24

cyst development or cancer

Question 25

What is filariasis?

Answer 25

parasitic infection of the lymphatic system (worms)

Question 26

What is the location of breast tissue?

Answer 26

between the second and sixth ribs and between the sternum and midaxillary line.

Question 27

What is the midaxillary line?

Answer 27

a vertical line dividing the armpit into anterior and posterior halves.

Question 28

Where is the nipple usually located?

Answer 28

fourth intercostal space

Question 29

What is the ring of pigmented skin which surrounds the nipple?

Answer 29

areola

Question 30

What is the axillary process (tail)?

Answer 30

portion of the breast which extends back into the armpit.

Question 31

Why is the axillary process clinically important?

Answer 31

Frequent site for cancer

Question 32

What are the suspensory ligaments of breast?

Answer 32

strong fibrous septa which support the breast

Question 33

What is a mammary gland?

Answer 33

modified sweat gland located in the superficial fascia. Each gland has 15 to 20 lobes of glandular tissue

Question 34

Where does the lobe of glandular tissue open?

Answer 34

onto the tip of the nipple through a lactiferous duct

Question 35

What is a lactiferous sinus?

Answer 35

expansion of the lactiferous duct, which serves as a reservoir for milk during lactation

Question 36

What is the blood supply of the breast?

Answer 36

Internal thoracic artery, thoracoacromial artery, lateral thoracic artery, intercostal arteries

Question 37

What lymph nodes drain the breast?

Answer 37

axillary nodes, parasternal nodes, nodes of the opposite breast, and nodes of the anterior abdominal wall.

Question 38

Seventy-five percent of the lymph from the breast drain to the ____ node.

Answer 38

axillary

Question 39

What is the most common form of cancer in women?

Answer 39

breast cancer

Question 40

Where does breast cancer usually spread first?

Answer 40

to the axillary lymph nodes then to the blood stream

Question 41

What are the clinical signs of cancer?

Answer 41

1) dimpling, 2) inverted nipple, 3) leathery thickening of the skin

Question 42

What is one cause of midthoracic back pain in a female?

Answer 42

breast cancer