Topics:
Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher
Function of Cisterna Chyli
Cisterna chyli acts as:
- Storage house of lymph — Correct Answer
- Storage house of CSF
- Organ of phonation
- Graveyard of RBC
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Storage house of lymph
The cisterna chyli is a dilated sac-like lymphatic vessel located at the L1–L2 vertebral level in the abdomen. It acts as the storage house (reservoir) of lymph, particularly chyle (fat-rich milky lymph absorbed from the intestines). From here, the thoracic duct carries lymph upward to empty into the left subclavian vein.
Lymphatic System Key Terms
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Cisterna chyli | Reservoir of lymph; receives intestinal and lumbar lymphatics |
| Thoracic duct | Largest lymphatic vessel; drains lymph from lower body, left arm, and left head into left subclavian vein |
| Chyle | Milky lymph rich in chylomicrons from intestinal lacteals |
| Lacteals | Specialized lymphatic capillaries in intestinal villi absorbing fat |
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Storage house of CSF → CSF is produced by choroid plexus and stored in ventricles/subarachnoid space; unrelated to cisterna chyli.
- Organ of phonation → That is the larynx (mammals) or syrinx (birds).
- Graveyard of RBC → That is the spleen (red pulp destroys old/damaged RBCs).
📚 About this Topic — Animal Physiology
This multiple choice question is from Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Physiology to strengthen your preparation.
