Lymphedema may occur as a complication after a radical mastectomy, in which lymph nodes have been removed. Explain why it might occur.

What will be an ideal response?


Anything that prevents the normal return of lymph to the blood, such as blockage of the lymphatics by tumors or removal of lymphatics during surgery, results in severe localized edema (lymphedema).

Anatomy & Physiology

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The plateau phase seen during the action potential of a cardiac muscle cell is due to the

A. sodium-potassium pump. B. continuing to have open Ca2+ channels. C. opening of Na+ channels. D. closure of Cl? channels. E. closing of Ca2+ channels.

Anatomy & Physiology

Compare obligatory water reabsorption with facultative water reabsorption

A) Obligatory water reabsorption cannot be prevented, whereas facultative water reabsorption can be precisely controlled. B) Obligatory water reabsorption can be precisely controlled, whereas facultative water reabsorption cannot be prevented. C) Obligatory water reabsorption occurs in the distal convoluted tubule under control of ADH, whereas facultative water reabsorption occurs in the proximal convoluted tubule following the osmotic gradient. D) Obligatory water reabsorption occurs in the ascending limb of the nephron loop, whereas facultative water reabsorption occurs in the descending limb of the nephron loop. E) Obligatory water reabsorption is responsible for regulating the final concentration and volume of water lost in urine, whereas facultative water reabsorption is responsible for about 85 percent of water reabsorbed out of the filtrate.

Anatomy & Physiology

Which of the following establish the medullary vertical osmotic gradient by means of countercurrent multiplication?

a. Loops of Henle of juxtamedullary nephrons b. Loops of Henle of cortical nephrons c. Vasa recta of juxtamedullary nephrons d. Vasa recta of cortical nephrons e. Vasopressin-secreting cells

Anatomy & Physiology

Which is FALSE about interneurons?

A. They sum excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs. B. They deliver synaptic input on other neurons.   C. They can transmit information between afferent neurons and efferent neurons.  D. They make synapses on effector organs in the PNS. E. They receive synaptic input from other neurons in the CNS.

Anatomy & Physiology