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24 November, 2009

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Lymphatic system - quiz

Your lymphatic system is important, but do you know why? How do your lymph glands work to drain and manage fluid in your body? Find out with our quick health quiz.

1. What is the lymphatic system?
A. A network of tubes throughout the body that drains fluid from tissues and returns it to the bloodstream.
B. A collection of special cells and chemicals that fight infection from foreign organisms like viruses and bacteria.
C. A series of glands that secrete chemicals called hormones into the blood, which help to regulate a range of body processes.

2. What are the main roles of the lymphatic system?
A. Managing fluid levels in the body, making hormones that regulate metabolism, and filtering out bacteria.
B. Managing fluid levels in the body, maintaining the body’s sense of balance, and housing types of white blood cells.
C. Managing fluid levels in the body, filtering out bacteria, and housing types of white blood cells.

3. How is the lymph pumped around the body?
A. By a special organ (the lymphocardial node), located in the abdomen, that acts like a little pump.
B. The lymph vessels are flattened against arteries and the muscular action of the arteries helps to push the lymph along.
C. By muscular movements and contractions of the larger lymph vessels.

4. What stops lymph from travelling backwards through the lymphatic vessels?
A. Nothing, because the lymphatic system works most efficiently when the lymph is allowed to travel in whichever direction it needs to go.
B. Many of the vessels contain one-way valves, which are forced shut by back-pressure.
C. The lymph is contained and pumped at high pressure inside the lymphatic vessels, making any backwards movement impossible.

5. What are lymph nodes?
A. Glands (made of lymph tissue) that are found at various locations around the body.
B. Abnormal scar tissue that prevents the free movement of lymph through the vessels.
C. Special clusters of nerve cells that allow the lymphatic system to communicate directly with the brain.

6. Which organs belong to the lymphatic system?
A. The spleen and thymus.
B. The pancreas and liver.
C. This is a trick question – the lymphatic system doesn’t include any organs.

7. What happens to any excess fluid that the lymphatic system removes from tissues?
A. Fluid that the body needs is returned to the bloodstream, but excess fluid is piped directly to the bladder for excretion.
B. Fluid that the body needs is returned to the bloodstream, but excess fluid is directed to the mouth to aid in saliva production.
C. All collected fluids are returned to the bloodstream.

8. What is oedema?
A. A type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
B. Temporary swelling of certain parts of the body.
C. The collective name for the largest lymphatic vessels in the human body.

Your score is:

Score 0 to 2:
You don’t know much about the lymphatic system at all.

Score 3 to 5:
You have a general idea, but the lymphatic system is still a bit of a mystery to you.

Score 6 to 8:
Congratulations, you show an impressive understanding of the lymphatic system.

> Check the correct answers.

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Last updated: November 2008

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