Lymph nodes

Examine sections of lymph nodes and note first the overall organization and the specific structures:

• The cortex,
• Paracortex,
• Medulla
• Subcapsular sinus (Fig. 14-19)
• The large clusters of cells, the lymphoid follicles with germinal centers (Fig. 14-18).
  • Various cells with different immune functions are located in these follicles.

How does the stroma of a lymph node differ from that of the thymus?
 

Clinical note: Lymphomas involve neoplastic growth of lymphocytes, commonly within lymph nodes. There are several types, depending on the type of lymphocyte and the stage of differentiation involved. In the early stage, lymphomas commonly involve cell accumulation caused by their failure to undergo apoptosis. Pictured here is a child with Burkitt's lymphoma.

How is lymph filtered as it moves through the nodes?

A little more on the structure of lymph nodes.