Textbook Question
The lymphoid organ that functions primarily during youth and then begins to atrophy is:
a. Spleen
b. Thymus
c. Palatine tonsils
d. Bone marrow
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Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation25
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive24
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units24
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric19
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System12
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton14
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System25
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue23
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System25
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity30
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System16
- Ch. 15 The Special Senses26
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System26
- Ch. 17 Blood27
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart25
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues16
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses27
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System21
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System31
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System26
- Ch. 26 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System24
- Ch. 28 Pregnancy and Human Development25
- Ch. 29 Heredity11
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
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Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott 12th EditionCh. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and TissuesProblem 11
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott 12th EditionCh. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and TissuesProblem 11Chapter 20, Problem 11
Compare the structure and functions of a lymph node to those of the spleen.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the primary structural components of a lymph node. Note that lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs composed of an outer cortex containing lymphoid follicles and an inner medulla with medullary cords and sinuses.
Step 2: Describe the structure of the spleen, which is a larger organ with two main regions: the white pulp, containing lymphoid tissue organized around central arteries, and the red pulp, consisting of blood-filled sinusoids and splenic cords.
Step 3: Compare the functions of lymph nodes, which filter lymph fluid to trap pathogens and foreign particles, and serve as sites for lymphocyte activation and proliferation.
Step 4: Contrast this with the spleen's functions, which include filtering blood to remove old or damaged red blood cells, storing platelets, and mounting immune responses against blood-borne pathogens.
Step 5: Summarize the comparison by highlighting that while both organs are part of the lymphatic system and involved in immune defense, lymph nodes primarily filter lymph and the spleen primarily filters blood.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Structure of Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs located along lymphatic vessels. They have an outer cortex containing lymphoid follicles and an inner medulla with sinuses. This structure facilitates the filtration of lymph and the housing of immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages.
Recommended video:
10:32
Lymph Node Structure
Structure of the Spleen
The spleen is a larger organ located in the upper left abdomen, composed of white pulp and red pulp. White pulp contains immune cells that monitor blood for pathogens, while red pulp filters old or damaged red blood cells and stores platelets, reflecting its dual immune and hematologic roles.
Recommended video:
10:09Structure of the Spleen
Functions of Lymph Nodes and Spleen
Lymph nodes filter lymph to trap pathogens and activate immune responses, while the spleen filters blood, removes old red blood cells, and mounts immune reactions against blood-borne antigens. Both organs are crucial for immune surveillance but differ in their specific filtering targets and additional roles.
Recommended video:
5:05Introduction to Lymph Nodes
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Collections of lymphoid tissue (MALT) that guard mucosal surfaces include all of the following except:
a. Appendix follicles
b. The tonsils
c. Peyer's patches
d. The thymus
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Textbook Question
Which anatomical characteristic ensures that the flow of lymph through a lymph node is slow?
Why is this desirable?
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Textbook Question
There are no lymphatic arteries. Why isn't this a problem?
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Textbook Question
Compare and contrast blood, interstitial fluid, and lymph.
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Textbook Question
A friend tells you that she has tender, swollen 'glands' along the left side of the front of her neck. You notice that she has a bandage on her left cheek that is not fully hiding a large infected cut there. Exactly what are her swollen 'glands,' and how did they become swollen?
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