All Human Anatomy and Physiology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #3 : Lymphatic Physiology
Which of the following is NOT a mechanism used by the lymphatic system to control the flow of lymph?
Respiration
Skeletal muscle contractions
Osmosis
Contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle cells around lymphatics
Osmosis
Lymph flow is controlled by the contraction of skeletal muscle, smooth muscle cells around lymphatics, respiration, and gravity.
Osmosis is used to transport fluids into the lymph, but cannot be used to control lymphatic flow.
Example Question #2 : Lymphatic Physiology
Which nodes listed below drain into the thoracic duct?
Intercostal nodes
Sternal nodes
Axillary nodes
Phrenic nodes
Intercostal nodes
There are three main groups of lymph nodes that provide lymphatic drainage in the thoracic area. There are the sternal nodes, intercostal nodes, and phrenic nodes.
The sternal nodes, also known as the parasternal nodes, drain the areas of the medial part of the breast, the intercostal areas, the diaphragm, and the area above found above the umbilicus. They drain into the meeting point of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. The intercostal nodes also drain the area of the intercostal spaces and the pleura, emptying into the thoracic duct. The phrenic nodes collect lymphatic fluid from the pericardium, liver, and diaphragm. They empty into the posterior mediastinal lymph nodes. The axillary nodes drain into the apical nodes, which then empty into the subclavian vein.