$$ \text{Plasma} \rightarrow \text{Interstitial Fluid} \rightarrow \text{Lymph} $$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the lymphatic system?

Accepted Answer

Return interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and provide immune surveillance

Question 2

Lymphatic capillaries differ from blood capillaries in that they:

Accepted Answer

Are anchored by collagen filaments and have overlapping cells

Question 3

Which mechanism is primarily responsible for the movement of lymph through lymphatic vessels?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle contraction and pressure changes from breathing

Question 4

A patient presents with severe swelling of the lower limbs after a parasitic infection. Which disorder is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Elephantiasis

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of the spleen?

Accepted Answer

Production of insulin

Question 6

Why do your legs and ankles swell after sitting still for a long period (e.g., being a 'lazy couch potato')?

Accepted Answer

Decreased skeletal muscle activity reduces lymphatic return, causing fluid accumulation

Question 7

Which lymphoid organ is the primary site of T-cell maturation and shrinks with age?

Accepted Answer

Thymus

Question 8

Lacteals are specialized lymphatic capillaries found in the small intestine. What is their primary function?

Accepted Answer

Absorb dietary fats and transport them as chyle

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why lymph nodes have more afferent than efferent vessels?

Accepted Answer

To allow time for immune cells to filter and respond to pathogens

Question 10

A patient with metastatic cancer develops swollen lymph nodes. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells are trapped and proliferate in lymph nodes

Question 11

Which of the following is a secondary lymphoid organ where lymphocytes first encounter antigens?

Accepted Answer

Lymph node

Question 12

Which cell type in lymphoid tissue is primarily responsible for phagocytosis?

Accepted Answer

Macrophage

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of dendritic cells in the lymphatic system?

Accepted Answer

Antigen presentation to lymphocytes

Question 14

Which of the following is a component of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)?

Accepted Answer

Peyer's patches

Question 15

A blockage in the thoracic duct would most directly affect which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Return of lymph from the left side of the body and lower limbs

Question 16

Which equation best represents the relationship between interstitial fluid, lymph, and plasma?

Accepted Answer

$$ 	ext{Plasma} ightarrow 	ext{Interstitial Fluid} ightarrow 	ext{Lymph} $$

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely result from a congenital absence of lymphatic valves?

Accepted Answer

Backflow of lymph and tissue edema

Question 18

Which disorder is characterized by the abnormal enlargement of the spleen?

Accepted Answer

Splenomegaly

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why proteins and some pathogens can enter lymphatic capillaries but not blood capillaries?

Accepted Answer

Lymphatic capillaries have overlapping endothelial cells that act as one-way mini-valves

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely consequence of lymphatic obstruction due to roundworm infection?

Accepted Answer

Tissue swelling and impaired immune response

Chapter 20: The Lymphatic System – Structure, Function, and Disorders

Study Guide - Practice Questions