Which of the following is true regarding lymph nodes with reactive hyperplasia?

Lymph nodes with reactive hyperplasia typically undergo a series of changes in response to infection or inflammation, leading to their enlargement. In this context, the presence of prominent mitotic figures is an indicator of active proliferation within the lymph nodes. This reflects the immune response, where lymphocytes are rapidly dividing in response to antigenic stimulation.

The increase in mitotic figures is associated with the generation of more lymphocytes, which are crucial for fighting infections. This contrasts with other conditions, such as malignancies, where atypical mitotic figures might be present and where the structure of the lymph node could significantly differ.

Moreover, in reactive hyperplasia, there can be an increase in mature lymphocytes, but this does not typically result in "prominent" mitotic figures as readily evident as in a tumor. Instead, it indicates a robust immune response rather than a neoplastic process. Therefore, the characteristic finding of prominent mitotic figures in lymph nodes undergoing hyperplasia underscores active lymphocyte proliferation, which is crucial for mounting an effective immune response.