BIOD 152 Lymphatic and Immune System Comprehensive Exam
2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which of the following is a primary function of the lymphatic system?
A. Regulating blood glucose levels
B. Transporting oxygen to peripheral tissues
C. Returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream
D. Filtering metabolic waste from the kidneys
Answer: C
Rationale: The lymphatic system maintains fluid balance by collecting excess interstitial
fluid and returning it to the venous circulation.
2. Which organ is considered a primary lymphoid organ where T cells mature?
A. Spleen
B. Tonsils
C. Lymph node
D. Thymus
Answer: D
Rationale: The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ where T lymphocyte precursors
undergo maturation and selection.
,3. Lymph from the right arm and the right side of the head is drained by which
vessel?
A. Thoracic duct
B. Left subclavian vein
C. Cisterna chyli
D. Right lymphatic duct
Answer: D
Rationale: The right lymphatic duct drains the upper right quadrant of the body, while the
thoracic duct drains the rest.
4. What is the function of the blood-thymus barrier?
A. To prevent pathogens from entering the brain
B. To prevent premature activation of T cells by blood-borne antigens
C. To filter red blood cells from the lymph
D. To allow B cells to enter the thymus for maturation
Answer: B
Rationale: The blood-thymus barrier prevents developing T cells from being exposed to
antigens in the blood before they are fully mature.
5. Which cells are responsible for the production of antibodies?
A. Cytotoxic T cells
B. Natural Killer cells
C. Macrophage
D. Plasma cells
Answer: D
Rationale: Plasma cells are differentiated B cells that secrete specific antibodies into the
blood and lymph.
, 6. The redness and heat associated with inflammation are primarily caused by:
A. Decreased capillary permeability
B. Vasoconstriction of local blood vessels
C. Vasodilation and increased blood flow
D. Accumulation of dead red blood cells
Answer: C
Rationale: Inflammation triggers vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the area,
resulting in heat and redness.
7. Which of the following is an example of innate (non-specific) immunity?
A. Phagocytosis by macrophages
B. Production of antibodies against the flu virus
C. Activation of Cytotoxic T cells
D. Memory B cell response upon re-exposure
Answer: A
Rationale: Phagocytosis is a non-specific defense mechanism that functions regardless of
the specific pathogen encountered.
8. What is the specific role of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I
molecules?
A. To present extracellular antigens to Helper T cells
B. To produce histamine during an allergic reaction
C. To bind directly to viral particles in the blood
D. To present intracellular antigens to Cytotoxic T cells
Answer: D
Rationale: MHC I molecules are found on all nucleated cells and present endogenous
antigens to CD8+ Cytotoxic T cells.
2026/2027 UPDATE
1. Which of the following is a primary function of the lymphatic system?
A. Regulating blood glucose levels
B. Transporting oxygen to peripheral tissues
C. Returning interstitial fluid to the bloodstream
D. Filtering metabolic waste from the kidneys
Answer: C
Rationale: The lymphatic system maintains fluid balance by collecting excess interstitial
fluid and returning it to the venous circulation.
2. Which organ is considered a primary lymphoid organ where T cells mature?
A. Spleen
B. Tonsils
C. Lymph node
D. Thymus
Answer: D
Rationale: The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ where T lymphocyte precursors
undergo maturation and selection.
,3. Lymph from the right arm and the right side of the head is drained by which
vessel?
A. Thoracic duct
B. Left subclavian vein
C. Cisterna chyli
D. Right lymphatic duct
Answer: D
Rationale: The right lymphatic duct drains the upper right quadrant of the body, while the
thoracic duct drains the rest.
4. What is the function of the blood-thymus barrier?
A. To prevent pathogens from entering the brain
B. To prevent premature activation of T cells by blood-borne antigens
C. To filter red blood cells from the lymph
D. To allow B cells to enter the thymus for maturation
Answer: B
Rationale: The blood-thymus barrier prevents developing T cells from being exposed to
antigens in the blood before they are fully mature.
5. Which cells are responsible for the production of antibodies?
A. Cytotoxic T cells
B. Natural Killer cells
C. Macrophage
D. Plasma cells
Answer: D
Rationale: Plasma cells are differentiated B cells that secrete specific antibodies into the
blood and lymph.
, 6. The redness and heat associated with inflammation are primarily caused by:
A. Decreased capillary permeability
B. Vasoconstriction of local blood vessels
C. Vasodilation and increased blood flow
D. Accumulation of dead red blood cells
Answer: C
Rationale: Inflammation triggers vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the area,
resulting in heat and redness.
7. Which of the following is an example of innate (non-specific) immunity?
A. Phagocytosis by macrophages
B. Production of antibodies against the flu virus
C. Activation of Cytotoxic T cells
D. Memory B cell response upon re-exposure
Answer: A
Rationale: Phagocytosis is a non-specific defense mechanism that functions regardless of
the specific pathogen encountered.
8. What is the specific role of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I
molecules?
A. To present extracellular antigens to Helper T cells
B. To produce histamine during an allergic reaction
C. To bind directly to viral particles in the blood
D. To present intracellular antigens to Cytotoxic T cells
Answer: D
Rationale: MHC I molecules are found on all nucleated cells and present endogenous
antigens to CD8+ Cytotoxic T cells.
