Date of Award

7-2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

First Advisor

Shelley DiCecco, PT, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Michael Selby Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Lori Redmond Ph.D.

Abstract

The lymphatic system is one of the latest anatomical organ systems to have been discovered, and as a result, it can be considered the least understood. Limited research exists on the quantitative and qualitative values of lymph nodes. The pelvic and axillary region is anatomically unique for each sex. Observing if this extends to the lymph nodes themselves will create a clearer understanding of the lymphatic system for the medical community. The present study sought to establish potential differences in male and female lymph nodes. Quantitative data of male and female lymph nodes were collected through cadaver dissection. Fifty-three cadavers were dissected over two years for the present study. Histological analysis of lymph nodes through hematoxylin and eosin staining of lymph node tissue and light microscopy was incorporated to compare lymph nodes qualitatively. Quantitative analysis through Mann-Whitney U Tests showed significant differences in male and female inguinal nodes, while histological analysis did not establish significant physiological differences between the sexes.

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