CLT Lymphatic System Anatomy & Physiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Lymph moves through vessels primarily because of which mechanism?
- Cardiac pumping action
- Intrinsic smooth muscle contractions of lymphangions and external compression (Correct answer)
- Gravity alone
- Arterial pressure
Correct answer: Intrinsic smooth muscle contractions of lymphangions and external compression
Lymphangions (segments between valves) have smooth muscle that contracts rhythmically, and external forces like breathing and muscle activity assist flow.
Question 2: What is the estimated normal lymph transport capacity of the lymphatic system per day?
- 0.5–1 liter
- 2–4 liters (Correct answer)
- 8–10 liters
- 15–20 liters
Correct answer: 2–4 liters
Under normal conditions the lymphatic system transports approximately 2–4 liters of lymph back to the bloodstream each day.
Question 3: The term 'lymphotome' refers to what concept in lymphatic therapy?
- A surgical instrument used in lymph node biopsy
- A skin territory drained by a specific group of regional lymph nodes (Correct answer)
- A type of lymphatic massage stroke
- A compression bandaging layer
Correct answer: A skin territory drained by a specific group of regional lymph nodes
A lymphotome (also called a lymphatic territory or skin zone) is the area of skin whose lymph drains to a particular node group.
Question 4: The watershed (or 'dividing line') between anterior trunk lymphotomes runs approximately where?
- At the clavicles horizontally and vertebral column vertically
- At the umbilicus horizontally and mid-axillary line vertically (Correct answer)
- At the iliac crest only
- Along the sternum only
Correct answer: At the umbilicus horizontally and mid-axillary line vertically
The trunk is divided into lymphotomes by a horizontal watershed at the umbilicus and a vertical watershed along the mid-axillary line.
Question 5: Which protein is predominantly found in lymph and cannot re-enter blood capillaries due to its size?
- Hemoglobin
- Albumin (Correct answer)
- Fibrinogen
- Myoglobin
Correct answer: Albumin
Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein that leaks into interstitial spaces and must return via lymphatics because it is too large to re-enter blood capillaries.
Question 6: What is the name of the cistern at the base of the thoracic duct where it originates?
- Chyle cistern (cisterna chyli) (Correct answer)
- Venous angle
- Subclavian reservoir
- Axillary cistern
Correct answer: Chyle cistern (cisterna chyli)
The cisterna chyli is a dilated sac in the abdomen that collects lymph from the lower limbs and intestines before it ascends through the thoracic duct.
CLT Lymphatic System Anatomy & Physiology 2
Lymph moves through vessels primarily because of which mechanism?