The Lymphatic System

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Questions and Answers

Which statement accurately describes the composition of lymph?

It has a higher protein content than plasma.
It contains more protein than interstitial fluid but less than plasma.
It is identical in composition to interstitial fluid but contains less protein than plasma. (correct)
It is identical in composition to interstitial fluid and plasma.

What role do lymphocytes play within the lymphatic system?

Transporting fats absorbed from the small intestine.
Filtering out and destroying bacteria and cell debris.
Acting as defense cells that patrol the body. (correct)
Contraction rhythmically to pump lymph.

Why is bone marrow considered lymphatic tissue?

It produces lymphocytes. (correct)
It contains lacteals.
It filters lymph.
It is essential for the circulation of lymph.

What is the primary structural difference between lymph capillaries and blood capillaries?

Lymph capillaries have more permeable walls. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of lymph vessels ensures unidirectional flow of lymph?

Numerous cup-shaped valves. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of lacteals in the small intestine?

To absorb breakdown products of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure marks the origin of the thoracic duct?

The cisterna chyli. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which regions of the body are drained by the thoracic duct?

Both legs, the pelvic and abdominal cavities, the left half of the thorax, head and neck, and the left arm. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism behind the circulation of lymph in the lymphatic system?

The rhythmic contraction of the muscle layer in the walls of large lymph vessels. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which areas of the body are NOT served by lymphatic vessels?

The central nervous system, the cornea of the eye, the bones, and the most superficial layers of the skin. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a patient has a blockage in the right lymphatic duct, which region would likely experience lymphedema (swelling)?

The right arm. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be considered a function of the lymphatic system in the small intestine?

Absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins through lacteals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the composition of lymph change after fats are absorbed into the lacteals of the small intestine?

It takes on a milky appearance and is then called chyle. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly relates a structural element of the lymphatic system to its function?

Permeable walls of lymph capillaries allow for the uptake of large particles and fluids from the interstitial space. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient involved in a car accident has damage to the cisterna chyli. What is the most likely consequence of this injury?

Reduced absorption of fats from the small intestine. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the lymphatic system contribute to maintaining fluid balance in the body?

By returning excess interstitial fluid and leaked plasma proteins back to the bloodstream. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a direct function of the right lymphatic duct?

Draining lymph from the right arm. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Compared to veins, how do larger lymph vessels differ structurally?

Lymph vessels have walls of approximately the same thickness and similar layers of tissue as small veins. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason interstitial fluid can readily enter lymph capillaries but not blood capillaries?

Lymph capillaries have more permeable walls than blood capillaries. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between immunity and the lymphatic system?

Lymphatic organs produce and mature lymphocytes, which are essential for immunity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A patient has undergone a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. What is a common long-term complication this patient might experience?

Lymphedema in the ipsilateral arm. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does exercise influence the circulation of lymph?

Exercise increases lymph flow through muscle contractions that aid the lymphatic pump. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If protein concentration in the blood plasma decreases significantly, what effect would this have on lymph formation?

Lymph formation would increase as more fluid moves into the interstitial space. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of lymph capillaries, enabling them to collect fluid from tissues?

One-way mini-valves formed by overlapping endothelial cells. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might a surgeon be interested in the lymphatic drainage patterns of a tumor?

To determine the likelihood of metastasis. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a person has their spleen removed (splenectomy), what impact might this have on their lymphatic system function?

Reduced ability to filter blood and mount immune responses to bloodborne pathogens. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do lymphatic vessels support the circulatory system, other than by maintaining fluid balance?

By absorbing and transporting fats, which can be used for energy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

While examining a lymph node under a microscope, a pathologist notices a large increase in lymphocytes. This is most likely indicative of:

A severe bacterial or viral infection. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the clinical significance of the inguinal lymph nodes?

They filter lymph from the lower limbs and pelvic region, making them susceptible to infections and cancers in these areas. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in hydrostatic and osmotic pressure gradients between capillaries and interstitial fluid influence the rate of lymph formation?

Increased hydrostatic pressure in capillaries and decreased osmotic pressure in interstitial fluid both increase lymph formation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with severe edema in their left leg, but no other apparent symptoms. Imaging reveals a blockage in a major lymphatic vessel in the leg. Which of the following processes is directly compromised by this blockage?

Return of the filtered fluid and proteins to the blood circulation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary function of deep lymph nodes?

To filter lymph and facilitate immune responses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the migration patterns of dendritic cells (immune cells) in the body. Which system would be most important to investigate to understand how these cells move from the tissues to the lymph nodes?

The lymphatic system. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the subclavian veins and the lymphatic system?

The thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct empty lymph into the subclavian veins. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a new drug is designed to enhance the intrinsic ability of large lymph vessels to contract rhythmically, what would be the intended therapeutic effect?

To improve lymph circulation and reduce edema. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The immune system distinguishes 'self' from 'non-self'. How does the lymphatic system contribute to this process?

By filtering lymph and presenting antigens to immune cells within lymph nodes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the protein content of lymph compare to that of blood plasma?

Lymph contains much less protein than blood plasma. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the unique permeability of lymph capillaries important for their function?

It allows larger particles like proteins and cell debris to enter the lymphatic system. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do larger lymph vessels prevent the backflow of lymph?

Numerous cup-shaped valves. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If the rhythmic contractions of large lymph vessels were impaired, what would be the most likely direct consequence?

Reduced efficiency of lymph circulation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT directly drained by either the thoracic duct or the right lymphatic duct?

The central nervous system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Absorption in the small intestine

The absorption of fat breakdown products and fat-soluble materials into the central lacteals (lymphatic vessels) of the villi in the small intestine.

Immunity

Lymphatic organs produce and mature lymphocytes, which are white blood cells responsible for immunity. Bone marrow is considered lymphatic tissue.

Lymph

Clear, watery fluid, similar to interstitial fluid and plasma, but with less protein. Transports proteins back to the bloodstream and carries away larger particles for filtering in lymph nodes.

Lymph capillaries

Blind-ended tubes in interstitial spaces, similar in structure to blood capillaries but more permeable.