20. The Lymphatic System

Compare and contrast blood, interstitial fluid, and lymph.

The sac that often forms the initial portion of the thoracic duct is:

a. Lacteal

b. Right lymphatic duct

c. Cisterna chyli

d. Lymph sac

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.

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?

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

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

More than one choice may apply.

Which parts of the lymph node show increased activity when antibody production is high?

There are no lymphatic arteries. Why isn't this a problem?

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

Lymph from the lower limbs drains into the right lymphatic duct.