Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

20. The Lymphatic System

Lymphatic Vasculature

Anatomy & Physiology

20. The Lymphatic System

Lymphatic Vasculature

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1:40 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.
Lymph capillaries
a. Are open-ended, like drinking straws
b. Have continuous tight junctions, like the capillaries of the brain
c. Contain endothelial cells separated by flaplike valves that can open wide
d. Have special barriers that stop cancer cells from entering

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure and function of lymph capillaries: Lymph capillaries are small, thin-walled vessels that collect interstitial fluid (lymph) from tissues and transport it to larger lymphatic vessels. They are distinct from blood capillaries in their structure and permeability.

Analyze option (a): Lymph capillaries are not open-ended like drinking straws. Instead, they are closed at one end and form a network that allows fluid to enter through specialized structures.

Analyze option (b): Lymph capillaries do not have continuous tight junctions like the capillaries of the brain. Instead, they are designed to be highly permeable to allow the entry of large molecules and cells.

Analyze option (c): Lymph capillaries contain endothelial cells separated by flaplike valves. These valves open wide to allow interstitial fluid, proteins, and even cells (like immune cells or cancer cells) to enter the lymphatic system.

Analyze option (d): Lymph capillaries do not have special barriers to stop cancer cells from entering. In fact, their high permeability can allow cancer cells to enter and spread through the lymphatic system.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lymph Capillaries Structure

Lymph capillaries are small, thin-walled vessels that are open-ended, allowing interstitial fluid to enter. Their structure is designed to facilitate the uptake of excess fluid and proteins from tissues, which is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Endothelial Cells and Valves

The endothelial cells of lymph capillaries are not tightly joined; instead, they are separated by flaplike valves. These valves can open to allow larger particles, such as proteins and pathogens, to enter the lymphatic system, which is essential for immune function and fluid regulation.

Lymphatic System Function

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in immune response and fluid homeostasis. It helps transport lymph, which contains immune cells, and filters it through lymph nodes, where pathogens and cancer cells can be detected and eliminated, although it does not have specific barriers to prevent cancer cells from entering.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which anatomical characteristic ensures that the flow of lymph through a lymph node is slow?

Why is this desirable?

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

Lymphatic vessels constitute a one-way system that delivers interstitial fluid from the blood vessels to the extracellular space.

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Textbook Question

Mrs. Morrow, a 59-year-old woman, has undergone a left radical mastectomy (removal of the left breast and left axillary lymph nodes and vessels). Her left arm is severely swollen and painful, and she is unable to raise it more than shoulder height.

(a) Explain her signs and symptoms.

(b) Can she expect relief from these symptoms in time? How so?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following vessels transport interstitial fluid that leaks from the vascular system back into the blood?

Which of the following is NOT a function of lymphatic vessels?

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