Quick Facts
A primary lymphoid nodule is a lymphoid nodule that has not been exposed to antigen and lacks a germinal center; upon activation of B lymphocytes it develops into a secondary lymphoid nodule (Dorland, 2011).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure/Morphology
Primary lymphoid nodules are small spherical clusters of B lymphocytes, or B cells, tightly packed together within the reticular meshwork of the cortex. In the primary nodule, the B cells can interact with follicular dendritic cells. When a B cell interacts with an antigenic-displaying follicular dendritic cells, it stimulates clonal expansion and rapid proliferation of the B cells. This activation results in the nodule becoming a secondary lymphoid nodule (Willard-Mack, 2006).
List of Clinical Correlates
—Lymphoma
—Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
—Lymphadenopathy
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
Willard-Mack, C. L. (2006) 'Normal structure, function, and histology of lymph nodes', Toxicologic Pathology, 5(34), pp. 409-424.
