Head & Neck 1 Final Exam

What causes the lymph node to become enlarged when it is infected?

Accumulation of lymphocytes and immune cells as they respond to the infection.

What is the tonsil that is also known as the adenoids?

Pharyngeal Tonsils

What are the characteristics of a diseased vs healthy lymph node?

A healthy lymph node is usually small, mobile, soft, and non-tender, while a diseased lymph node may be enlarged, fixed, hard, and tender.

Where is the lingual tonsil located?

At the base of the tongue.

Which muscle do we palpate on the neck by having the patient turn to the side and look down?

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

Lymph nodes first drain into a ___ node, before draining into a more distant secondary node.

Lymph nodes first drain into a primary node.

Know the flow of Afferent vs Efferent lymphatic vessel flow on the lymph node. Which flows in/out of the hilus side?

Afferent lymphatic vessels flow into the lymph node through the cortex, while efferent lymphatic vessels flow out from the hilus side.

What type of valves do lymphatic vessels and veins have?

One-way valves that prevent backflow.

How would we describe a cancerous lymph node?

Hard, fixed, enlarged, and usually non-tender.

What does it mean for cancer to metastasize?

The process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

An increase in size and change in consistency of a lymph node is called what?

Lymphadenopathy

Know where all 5 of the superficial head lymph nodes are located, and their names.

1. Preauricular (in front of the ear)

2. Posterior auricular (behind the ear)

3. Occipital (at the back of the head)

4. Superficial parotid (superficial to parotid gland)

5. Facial (along the facial vein (infraorbital, buccal, mandibular)

What is the main role of lymph nodes?

Filter lymph fluid and trap pathogens, providing a site for immune responses.

The parts of the lymphatic system include:

Lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus, and the tonsils

What happens during Ludwig’s Angina? What would treatment for this be? What is the most common procedure that causes Ludwig’s Angina?

Rapid, bilateral cellulitis of submandibular space. Can block airway

Treatment: Airway management, IV antibiotics, surgery if needed

Most common cause: Infected mandibular molar especially after tooth extraction; tongue piercings

What symptoms are caused by maxillary sinusitis?

Pressure/pain in cheeks/teeth, nasal congestion, headache, post-nasal drip.

Know the difference between indigenous microbiota vs pathogen.

Indigenous microbiota are the non-harmful microorganisms that normally inhabit the body, while pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease.

What treatment is needed for meningitis?

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics and may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

What is the space called that is considered the “danger space” of the head and neck?

Retropharyngeal space

What is happening to a lymph node that is experiencing HYPERTROPHY?

An increase in the size of the lymph node due to an increase in the number of cells, often as a response to infection or inflammation.

What type of bacteria is BETA-LACTAMASE associated with?

Associated with gram-negative bacteria that produce this enzyme, which can break down beta-lactam antibiotics (such as penicillin), commonly including strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

How does Cellulitis present? What can happen if Cellulitis goes untreated?

Presents with redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as abscess formation, sepsis, and spread of infection to surrounding tissues.

What is an abscess and characteristics of? How does an abscess present?

Localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue, often characterized by swelling, pain, and redness. Presents as a soft, fluctuant mass that may be tender to touch.

How does odontogenic infection spread?

Through direct extension from dental infections, through the bloodstream, or along fascial planes, or lymphatic system

Why would a patient develop an opportunistic infection? What type of diseases would allow a patient to get an opportunistic infection?

When their immune system is compromised. Diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, and those requiring immunosuppressive therapy can increase the risk of opportunistic infections.

What is the benefit of using a pre-procedural antiseptic mouth rinse before dental treatment?

Helps reduce the bacterial load in the oral cavity, which can minimize the risk of translocating bacteria into the bloodstream during dental procedures.

What is the most common source of odontogenic infections?

Tooth decay or dental abscesses, often originating from bacteria in the dental pulp or surrounding periodontal tissues.

Know signs/symptoms of Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis.

Severe headache, bulging eyes, vision changes, fever, rapid progression.

How does bacteremia spread infection?

Spreads infection by allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can then travel to various body sites, potentially leading to systemic infections, including sepsis and infective endocarditis.

What is Osteomyelitis? Where does Osteomyelitis most often occur and why?

Infection of the bone that can occur when bacteria reach the bone through the bloodstream or spread from nearby tissue. It most often occurs in the mandible (less vascularized)

Most common cause of PERIAPICAL ABSCESS?

Bacterial infection resulting from untreated dental caries or pulpitis, where the infection reaches the apex of a tooth's root.

Know definition of Odontogenic Infection

Infection that originates in the tissues of the teeth and surrounding structures, often due to dental decay or periodontal disease.

Know definition of Opportunistic Infection

Infection caused by pathogens that take advantage of a weakened immune system or altered host environment