A patient with lymphangitis presents with visible red lines on the skin that are tender to the touch. The best explanation for this sign is that
A) red blood cells have infiltrated the lymphatic system.
B) the vasa vasorum on the surface of infected lymph vessels has become inflamed and congested with blood.
C) lack of movement has caused pooling of lymph in the vessels, which compromised the lymphatic valves, resulting in varicose lymph vessels.
D) the spleen has overdegraded red blood cells, releasing iron into the lymphatic system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The red lines are due to inflammation and congestion of the vasa vasorum, small blood vessels that supply the walls of larger lymphatic vessels, which become visible when the lymphatic vessels are infected.

A Patient with Lymphangitis Presents with Visible Red Lines on the Skin