In B.Pharm training, a clear grasp of the structure and functions of lymphatic organs and tissues is essential. This topic covers lymph node architecture, spleen compartments (red and white pulp), thymus and bone marrow as primary lymphoid organs, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) including Peyer’s patches and tonsils. You will study lymphatic circulation, lymph formation, antigen presentation, germinal center reactions, B- and T-cell maturation, high endothelial venules, marginal zone function, and clinical correlations such as splenectomy risks and lymphedema. Understanding these concepts supports pharmacotherapy, vaccine strategies, and immunomodulatory drug development. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which organ is the primary site of T-lymphocyte maturation?
- Bone marrow
- Thymus
- Spleen
- Lymph node
Correct Answer: Thymus
Q2. Lymph enters a lymph node through which structures?
- Efferent lymphatic vessels
- Afferent lymphatic vessels
- Hilum veins
- Cortical sinuses
Correct Answer: Afferent lymphatic vessels
Q3. Germinal centers within secondary follicles are mainly composed of which cells?
- Proliferating B cells
- Resident T cells
- Endothelial cells
- Fibroblasts
Correct Answer: Proliferating B cells
Q4. The white pulp of the spleen is primarily responsible for which function?
- Filtration of senescent erythrocytes
- Immune response to blood-borne antigens
- Platelet production
- Lymph formation
Correct Answer: Immune response to blood-borne antigens
Q5. Which cell type presents antigen on MHC class II molecules to CD4+ helper T cells?
- Neutrophil
- Macrophage
- Erythrocyte
- Platelet
Correct Answer: Macrophage
Q6. High endothelial venules (HEVs), key for lymphocyte entry from blood, are found mainly in which lymphoid region?
- Spleen red pulp
- Lymph node paracortex
- Thymic medulla
- Bone marrow
Correct Answer: Lymph node paracortex
Q7. Peyer’s patches are a characteristic component of which anatomical site?
- Small intestine (ileum)
- Stomach
- Colon
- Pancreas
Correct Answer: Small intestine (ileum)
Q8. Tonsils are best classified as which type of lymphoid structure?
- Primary lymphoid organ
- Secondary lymphoid tissue (MALT)
- Endocrine gland
- Dense connective tissue
Correct Answer: Secondary lymphoid tissue (MALT)
Q9. Which component does NOT directly filter lymph within a lymph node?
- Subcapsular sinuses
- Lymphoid follicles
- Germinal centers
- Valves
Correct Answer: Valves
Q10. The paracortex of a lymph node is rich in which cell population?
- B cells
- T cells
- Plasma cells
- Red pulp macrophages
Correct Answer: T cells
Q11. Positive selection of thymocytes primarily occurs in which thymic region?
- Cortex
- Medulla
- Spleen
- Bone marrow
Correct Answer: Cortex
Q12. Which organ functions as a reservoir for platelets and acts as a blood reservoir?
- Thyroid
- Spleen
- Liver
- Pancreas
Correct Answer: Spleen
Q13. Lymphatic capillaries differ from blood capillaries by which feature that permits uptake of large molecules and cells?
- Continuous basal lamina
- Overlapping endothelial cells with anchoring filaments
- Tight junctions that restrict permeability
- Thick smooth muscle wall
Correct Answer: Overlapping endothelial cells with anchoring filaments
Q14. The thoracic duct drains lymph from which regions of the body?
- Right upper limb, right thorax and right head
- Left head and neck only
- Whole body except the right upper quadrant
- Only the lower limbs
Correct Answer: Whole body except the right upper quadrant
Q15. Hassall’s corpuscles are characteristic structures of which lymphoid organ?
- Thymic medulla
- Thymic cortex
- Lymph node medulla
- Spleen white pulp
Correct Answer: Thymic medulla
Q16. The marginal zone of the spleen plays a major role in which process?
- Antigen capture and B-cell activation
- Hematopoiesis in adults
- T-cell maturation
- Formation of lymph
Correct Answer: Antigen capture and B-cell activation
Q17. Which cell type is essential for providing help to B cells during germinal center reactions and class-switch recombination?
- T follicular helper (Tfh) cells
- Neutrophils
- Endothelial cells
- Plasma cells
Correct Answer: T follicular helper (Tfh) cells
Q18. Which immunoglobulin is predominantly produced at mucosal surfaces by MALT?
- IgM
- IgG
- IgA
- IgE
Correct Answer: IgA
Q19. Chyle from intestinal lacteals is initially collected into which structure?
- Cisterna chyli
- Thoracic duct
- Right lymphatic duct
- Hepatic portal vein
Correct Answer: Cisterna chyli
Q20. Splenectomy increases susceptibility to encapsulated bacteria mainly because of loss of which function?
- Complement synthesis
- Splenic macrophage filtration and IgM memory B-cell responses
- Bone marrow erythropoiesis
- T-cell receptor rearrangement
Correct Answer: Splenic macrophage filtration and IgM memory B-cell responses
Q21. Which chemokine receptor directs naive T cells into lymph node HEVs?
- CXCR5
- CCR7
- CCR5
- CXCR4
Correct Answer: CCR7
Q22. A primary lymphoid follicle (without a germinal center) is mainly composed of which cells?
- Naive B cells
- Plasma cells
- Activated T cells
- Macrophages
Correct Answer: Naive B cells
Q23. Which lymphocyte lineage matures primarily in the bone marrow?
- T lymphocytes
- B lymphocytes
- All dendritic cells
- Thymic epithelial cells
Correct Answer: B lymphocytes
Q24. Lymphedema that follows axillary lymph node dissection after mastectomy is caused by damage to which structures?
- Superficial veins
- Axillary lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels
- Brachial plexus nerves
- Thoracic duct
Correct Answer: Axillary lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels
Q25. The principal function of the red pulp in the spleen is:
- Generating adaptive immune responses
- Filtration and removal of senescent red blood cells
- T-cell education
- Antibody class switching
Correct Answer: Filtration and removal of senescent red blood cells
Q26. Which thymic cell type expresses tissue-restricted antigens to mediate negative selection of autoreactive T cells?
- Cortical epithelial cells
- Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs)
- B cells
- Red pulp macrophages
Correct Answer: Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs)
Q27. Specialized M cells that sample luminal antigens are found overlying which lymphoid structure?
- Peyer’s patches
- Spleen white pulp
- Thymic cortex
- Bone marrow sinusoids
Correct Answer: Peyer’s patches
Q28. An efferent lymphatic vessel of a lymph node typically:
- Enters at the convex surface
- Exits at the hilum
- Lacks valves completely
- Directly drains into the portal vein
Correct Answer: Exits at the hilum
Q29. Which immunoglobulin is produced first during a primary humoral immune response in germinal centers?
- IgG
- IgM
- IgA
- IgE
Correct Answer: IgM
Q30. Which cells are the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells for activating naive T cells?
- Neutrophils
- Dendritic cells
- Eosinophils
- Red blood cells
Correct Answer: Dendritic cells
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
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