Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the role of the thoracic ducts in the endocrine system?

1. Release hormones directly into the bloodstream

2. Transport lymph and other fluids

3. Provide structural support to glands

4. Filter out toxins from the body

The correct answer is: Transport lymph and other fluids

The thoracic ducts play a crucial role in the lymphatic system, which is closely related to the overall immune response of the body, but they do not have a direct function within the endocrine system itself. Specifically, the thoracic ducts are responsible for transporting lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, as well as other bodily fluids back into the bloodstream. This process helps maintain fluid balance and plays an important role in the body's defense mechanisms. While the endocrine system focuses on hormone regulation and secretion, the thoracic ducts primarily facilitate the movement of lymph rather than hormones. Thus, their involvement in the transport of lymph is essential for maintaining homeostasis and supporting overall bodily functions, including those influenced by the endocrine system, even if their role is not directly linked to hormone release or regulation.