Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of lymphatic capillaries in tissue spaces?

Accepted Answer

They absorb excess interstitial fluid and plasma proteins, returning them to the blood.

Question 2

What is the main reason lymph flow through a lymph node is slow?

Accepted Answer

There are fewer efferent vessels than afferent vessels, causing lymph to pool and slow down.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Production of immunocompetent T lymphocytes

Question 4

A patient has a blockage in the right lymphatic duct. Which region is most likely to experience lymphatic fluid accumulation (edema)?

Accepted Answer

Right upper limb

Question 5

Which lymphoid organ is the site of T cell maturation and is most active during childhood?

Accepted Answer

Thymus

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why the thymus does not directly fight antigens?

Accepted Answer

It functions only as a maturation site for T lymphocytes and has a blood-thymus barrier.

Question 7

Which structure is responsible for transporting absorbed fats from the intestine to the blood?

Accepted Answer

Lacteals

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary lymphoid organ?

Accepted Answer

Red bone marrow

Question 9

A patient has a genetic defect that prevents the formation of reticular fibers in lymphoid organs. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Formation of the supporting network for lymphocytes and macrophages

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the function of MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue)?

Accepted Answer

It prevents pathogens from penetrating mucosal membranes at body entryways.

Question 11

Which of the following equations best represents the movement of water during osmosis across a selectively permeable membrane?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta \Psi = \Psi_s + \Psi_p$$

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in the spread of cancer cells through the body?

Accepted Answer

Cancer cells enter lymphatic capillaries and pass through lymph nodes without being destroyed.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct pathway for lymph flow from the tissues back to the bloodstream?

Accepted Answer

Lymphatic capillaries → Collecting lymphatic vessels → Lymphatic trunks → Lymphatic ducts → Venous circulation

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why lymphatic capillaries are able to absorb large molecules such as proteins and cell debris?

Accepted Answer

Their endothelial cells overlap to form flaplike mini valves that open when interstitial pressure is high.

Question 15

Which of the following is a unique feature of the thymus compared to other lymphoid organs?

Accepted Answer

It does not contain lymphoid follicles or B cells.

Question 16

A patient has their spleen removed (splenectomy). Which of the following consequences is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Decreased ability to remove old red blood cells and bloodborne pathogens.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of dendritic cells in lymph nodes?

Accepted Answer

They capture antigens and present them to T cells to initiate an immune response.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the tonsils as part of MALT?

Accepted Answer

They trap and destroy bacteria and particulate matter entering through food or air.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the volume of fluid does NOT change at equilibrium when a membrane is permeable to both solutes and water?

Accepted Answer

Both solute and water molecules move until the osmolarity is equal on both sides, so there is no net movement of water.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of Peyer's patches in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

They prevent intestinal bacteria from breaching the intestinal wall and generate memory lymphocytes.

The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

Study Guide - Practice Questions