Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) Practice Exam

What term describes lymph vessels that have a three-layer wall and bicuspid valves?

1. Collectors

2. Capillaries

3. Channels

4. Inner tubes

The correct answer is: Collectors

The term that describes lymph vessels with a three-layer wall and bicuspid valves is collectors. Collectors are larger lymphatic vessels that are responsible for transporting lymph fluid from the lymphatic capillaries to the lymph nodes and eventually to the larger lymphatic trunks. Their three-layer wall structure consists of an inner endothelial layer, a middle layer of smooth muscle, and an outer layer of connective tissue, which allows them to maintain integrity and regulate flow. The presence of bicuspid valves within these vessels is crucial for ensuring unidirectional flow of lymph, preventing backflow as lymph moves towards the lymph nodes. This design is similar to that of veins, further highlighting the role of collectors in effectively managing the transport of lymph within the lymphatic system.