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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 13 marks · about 15 minutes

Lymphatic System and Tissue Fluid Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions focus on how tissue fluid forms from blood plasma, and how the lymphatic system returns fluid and supports immune defence.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain how tissue fluid is formed from blood.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. At the arterial end of a capillary, blood pressure forces plasma out through the capillary wall.
    2. Small molecules (water, glucose, amino acids, oxygen) pass out: this is tissue fluid.
    3. Large molecules (proteins) and blood cells remain in the capillary.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe the role of the lymphatic system in returning tissue fluid to the blood.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Excess tissue fluid drains into lymph capillaries: becomes lymph.
    2. Lymph is carried through lymph vessels.
    3. Lymph is eventually returned to the blood near the heart (into the subclavian veins).

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 2 marks Difficulty 2/5

    State two differences between blood and lymph.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Blood contains red blood cells; lymph does not.
    2. Blood has more protein; lymph has less protein / is more watery.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain why tissue fluid is important for the cells it surrounds.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Tissue fluid delivers oxygen and glucose to cells for respiration.
    2. It removes waste products (CO₂, urea) from cells.
    3. Acts as the exchange medium between blood in capillaries and body cells.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 2 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Name the structures in the lymphatic system where lymphocytes are produced and explain their role.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Lymph nodes: contain lymphocytes that filter lymph and attack pathogens.
    2. Lymphocytes produce antibodies specific to antigens on pathogens.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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