Free Anatomy and Physiology Lymphatic and Immune Systems Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main function of the lymphatic system?
- Transport oxygen in the blood
- Filter blood and remove waste
- Drain excess interstitial fluid and provide immunity (Correct answer)
- Produce hormones for metabolism
Correct answer: Drain excess interstitial fluid and provide immunity
The lymphatic system collects and returns interstitial fluid to the blood, absorbs fats from the digestive tract, and is a critical part of the immune system, housing lymphocytes that defend against pathogens.
Question 2: Which organ is the primary site for T-cell maturation?
- Spleen
- Thymus (Correct answer)
- Lymph nodes
- Bone marrow
Correct answer: Thymus
T-cells mature in the thymus, where they are educated to recognize self and non-self cells. Bone marrow produces T-cell precursors, but maturation occurs in the thymus.
Question 3: Which of the following cells are part of the body's innate immune system?
- B cells
- T cells
- Natural killer (NK) cells (Correct answer)
- Plasma cells
Correct answer: Natural killer (NK) cells
NK cells are part of the innate immune system and attack infected or cancerous cells without the need for prior exposure. B and T cells belong to the adaptive immune system, and plasma cells are antibody-secreting B cells.
Question 4: What is the role of the spleen in the lymphatic system?
- Producing lymph
- Filtering blood and removing old red blood cells (Correct answer)
- Storing fat-soluble vitamins
- Producing T cells
Correct answer: Filtering blood and removing old red blood cells
The spleen filters the blood, removes old or damaged red blood cells, and provides an environment for immune cells to respond to blood-borne pathogens.
Question 5: What is an antibody?
- A type of pathogen
- A molecule produced by B cells to neutralize antigens (Correct answer)
- A protein that signals cells to divide
- A type of T cell
Correct answer: A molecule produced by B cells to neutralize antigens
Antibodies are proteins secreted by activated B cells (plasma cells) that bind to specific antigens, neutralize pathogens, and mark them for destruction by other immune cells.
What is the main function of the lymphatic system?