The Lymphatic System : The Lymphatic System Online Bio 112
December 10, 2009
Allison Poythress
Kristeena Beasley
Ashely Tosto
Topics discussed : Topics discussed Lymph nodes – Hodkin’s Lymphoma & Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - Ashley
Spleen – Rheumatoid Arthritis & Sickle Cell Anemia - Kristeena
Tonsils – Tosillitis & Tonsilloliths - Allison
Overview: Lymphatic System : Overview: Lymphatic System Consists of organs, ducts, and nodes
Transports a watery, clear fluid called lymph
Contains lymphocytes that protect the body against antigens
Major job is to collect extra lymph fluid from body tissues and return it to the blood
Lymph nodes : Lymph nodes In their normal state are bean-shaped and range in size from a few millimeters to about 1-2 cm
Numerous and widespread through human body, form a network linked together by the vessels in the lymphatic system
“Usually situated at the junction between several lymphatic ducts and consist of densely packed immune system cells”
Each contains an enclosed blood network of arteries and veins
Lymph nodes – cont’d : Lymph nodes – cont’d “Key nodes are the largest and are the axillary nodes under the armpits, the inguinal nodes in the groin, the mesenteric lymph nodes close to the gut, and the lymph nodes in the neck”
Lymph nodes – cont’d : Lymph nodes – cont’d The cortex has the highest concentration of lymphocytes and the cells are tightly packed nodules called follicles
The medulla is the center of the lymph node
Hodgkin’s lymphoma : Hodgkin’s lymphoma Previously known as Hodgkin’s Disease
Is a type of lymphoma – a type of cancer the originates from lymphocytes
Named after Thomas Hodgkin who described abnormalities in the lymphatic system in 1832
“Characterized by the orderly spread of disease from one lymph node group to another and by the development of systemic symptoms with advanced disease”
Hodgkin’s lymphoma – cont’d : Hodgkin’s lymphoma – cont’d Also characterized by Reed-Sternberg Cells on microscopic examination
Was one of the first cancers which could be treated using radiation therapy and later was one of the first to be treated by combination chemotherapy
Hodgkin’s lymphoma – cont’d : Hodgkin’s lymphoma – cont’d Occurs in 2 peaks – first in young adulthood ages 15-35 and second in those over 55 years old
Survival rate is generally 90% or higher when it is detected during early stages, making it one of the most curable forms of cancer
Non-hodgkin lymphoma : Non-hodgkin lymphoma Can occur at any age and is often marked by larger than normal lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss
There are many types of this condition and can be divided into aggressive, fast-growing and indolent, slow-growing types.
They can also be formed from either B-cells or T-cells
Estimated new cases in 2009 – 65,980
Estimated deaths in 2009 – 19,500
Types of nhl : Types of nhl B-cell Non-Hodkin Lymphoma T-cell Non-Hodkin Lymphoma Burkitt lymphoma
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma
Immunoblastic large cell lymphoma
Precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma
Mantle cell lymphoma Mycosis fungoides
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma
Tonsils : Tonsils Paired lymph nodules in the oral cavity that produce lymphocytes
The location determines it’s name – palatine, pharyngeal, & lingual
Protect the throat & respiratory system
Outer surfaces are covered by epithelium that form in-foldings or crypts
Tonsils – cont’d : Tonsils – cont’d Doctors & researchers haven’t explained their exact role
Play major part in defending the body against infection
Become expendable in adulthood
tonsillitis : tonsillitis Inflammation caused by infection by a variety of different microorganisms
Their anatomy allows for this – bacteria hide in the folds of the surface of the tonsil and is harbored
Symptoms include,
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Fever
Headache
Swollen, painful lymph nodes in the neck
Tonsillitis images : Tonsillitis images
Tonsillitis – causes/risk factors : Tonsillitis – causes/risk factors Common in children up to 10 yrs old, but may occur at all ages
Usually caused by a virus, but about 1/3 are caused by bacteria – isn’t possible to determine difference without doing tests
In older children, severe tonsillitis is common along with lethargy and a rash
In extreme cases peri-tonsillar abscesses occur around the tissues near the tonsils
Pus collects around the tonsils, roof of the mouth, and neck causing breathing problems – a life-threatening emergency
Tonsillitis treatment : Tonsillitis treatment See MD for advice of tonsillitis
Common treatments
Pain-relieving syrup
Plenty of fluids
Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Tonsillectomy may be suggested – performed less now
tonsilloliths : tonsilloliths Also called tonsil stones
Small, cream colored lumps that are coughed up or swallowed. May give sensation of having something stuck in the throat
Made up of dead skin cells, food particles, sulfur-producing bacteria, saliva, and dead white blood cells
Debris collects in the crevices of the tonsils which eventually form to make tonsil stones
Tonsilloliths – cont’d : Tonsilloliths – cont’d Vary in size
If the stones are burst after removal they give off very unpleasant odor due to type of particles within
Highly linked to bad breath - halitosis
Are not considered to be a health risk and are not serious enough to be operated on
There are a range of oral products available to neutralize the bacteria that are harbored
Oxygenating toothpastes
Mouthwashes & mouth sprays
Tongue scrapers
The spleen : The spleen Organ w/i the lymphatic system that is located on the left side of the abdominal cavity under the diagphragm
In humans is about the size of a fist and in humans is well supplied with blood
“primary filtering agent of the blood”
Plays an important role in storing & releasing certain types of immune cells that mediate tissue inflammation
Spleen tissue : Spleen tissue Red Pulp White Pulp Serve as imp. resevoirs for large # of monocytes
The monocytes travel rapidly through bloodstream to site of injury
Regulate inflammation & facilitate tissue healing
Body’s major site of destruction of RBC’s Contain lymphoid elements like plasma cells, lymphocytes, and follicles (lymphoid modules)
Germinal centers serve as site of lymphocyte production
The spleen : The spleen Red Pulp & White Pulp
Sickle cell anemia : Sickle cell anemia Serious, inherited disease where the body makes sickle-shaped RBC’s – shaped like a “C”
Normal-shaped RBC’s are shaped like doughnuts with holes in the center
Sickle cells have abnormal hemoglobin which causes the irregular shape
The cells are stiff and sticky and makes them hard to move through blood vessels and tend to clump
The clump blocks blood flow to vessels that lead to the limb and organs
Slide 24 : Normal RBC’s last about 120 days
Sickle-shaped RBC’s last only 16 days, due to having Hemoglobin type S instead of Hemoglobin type A
If 1 parent has sickle cell anemia and 1 parent is normal = all of the children will possess the sickle cell trait
If 1 parent has sickle cell anemia and 1 parent has the trait = 50% chance of having baby with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait
When both parents have the trait = 25% chance sickle cell disease with each pregnancy
Diagnosis & symptoms : Diagnosis & symptoms Diagnosis is by a simple blood test followed by a lab technique called Hemoglobin Electrophoresis that determines the type of hemoglobin you present
Side effects
Anemia
Jaundice
Formation of gall stones
Lung tissue damage (Acute Chest Syndrome)
Pain episodes in arms, legs, chest, & abdomen
Damage to the spleen makes younger patients especially prone to and overwhelmed by certain bacterial infections
SCA treatment : SCA treatment There is no widely available cure
Bone marrow transplants may offer a cure for a very small # of patients
Folic acid supplementation at an early age
Antibiotics, pain management, IV fluids, blood transfusion to help with pain crises (also decreases risk of stroke)
Iron overload is potentially dangerous and toxic from numerous blood transfusions
Medication Droxia approved by FDA in 1998 for reduced episodes of severe pain, only for adult patients though
Rheumatoid arthritis : Rheumatoid arthritis Long-term, autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly attacks it’s own tissues that causes inflammation of joints and surrounding tissues
Symptoms include:
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Morning stiffness lasting > 1hr
Widespread muscle aching
Weakness, joint pain on both sides of the body (bilaterally) along with warmth & tenderness
RA Treatment : RA Treatment Joint destruction can occur 1-2 years following the appearance of the disease, thus treatment is lifelong
Treatment includes:
Medication – anti-rheumatic drugs/anti-inflammatory drugs
Physical therapy
Exercise
Education
Possible surgery
Ra – cont’d : Ra – cont’d Typically affects joints such as fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, toes, & neck
Drugs such as
Methotrexate
Celebrex
Corticosteroids
Orencia
Humira
Enbrel
Ra – cont’d : Ra – cont’d Surgery may be needed to correct deformed joints
Life-threatening joint complication can occur in the cervical spine when bones of the neck become unstable
Synovectomy will be performed first to remove the inflamed joint lining
Cause is unknown, can occur at any age, more often occurs in women 2-3 times more than in men, usually onset between ages 40-60
Anti-CCP antibody test is used to diagnose RA and rule out other types of arthritis
Works cited : Works cited http://www.nevdgp.org.au/info/ccv/patients/images/lymphatic.gif
http://www.acm.uiuc.edu/sigbio/project/updated-lymphatic/lymph_node.gif
http://www.cvshealthresources.com/Imagebank/adam/8623.jpg
http://www.netterimages.com/images/vpv/000/000/020/20996-0550x0475.jpg
http://www.taxotere.com/images/experiment/tax_HN_2_lg.gif
http://gemininotcancer.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/reed-sternberg_lymphocyte_nci-vol-7172-300.jpg
Works cited : Works cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphaticsystem
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hodkin’slymphoma
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/non-hodkin
http://www.besthealth.com/besthealth/bodyguide/reftext/images/tonsil.jpg
http://health.stateuniversity.com/article_images/gem_05_img0634.jpg
Works cited : Works cited http://de.academic.ru/pictures/dewiki/116/tonsillitis.jpg
http://www.myhealth.gov.my/myhealth/eng/$public/story_images/adult/P14T3_Acute_Tonsillitis.jpg
http://www.ghorayeb.com/files/peritonsillar_abscess_labeled.jpg
http://www.tonsilstones.com/images/tonsillolith.jpg
http://yukiblade.cafe24.com/zb4/data/show/Large_Tonsillolith.jpg
Works cited : Works cited http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/tonsillitis2.shtml
http://www.tonsil-stones-cure.com/
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/tonsil-stones-what-exactly-are-tonsil-stones-tonsilloliths-614041.html
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.becomehealthynow.com/images/organs/lymphatic_immune/spleen1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.becomehealthynow.com/popups/spleen.htm&usg=__RPjbXtcBGiGIBEA-o2dua3zIXTI=&h=291&w=403&sz=26&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=NfbL4ayJ6zi4pM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3DRed%2B%2526%2BWhite%2Bpulp%2Bof%2Bspleen%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den
Works cited : Works cited http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Rheumatoid+arthritis
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Rheumatoid+arthritis
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Rheumatoid+arthritis
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Sca/SCA_WhatIs.html
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Sca/SCA_WhatIs.htm