Circulation Blood Lymph

8 MCQs9-step worked example
Source: NCERT Morphology of Flowering PlantsPYQ coverage: NEET 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025Official key: NTA-verifiedLast reviewed: May 2026

Lesson

The composition of blood and lymph is tested almost every year in NEET — and the trap is rarely about not knowing what blood contains. It is about confusing which protein dominates plasma versus which cell type dominates the formed elements, or mixing up lymph's composition with plasma's.

Blood is a connective tissue consisting of a fluid matrix — plasma (~55% of blood volume) — and formed elements (~45%). Plasma is ~90% water and ~7% proteins. The three major plasma proteins are albumins (most abundant, maintain osmotic balance), globulins (immune defence and transport), and fibrinogen (clotting). Plasma without clotting factors is serum — a high-frequency NEET distinction.

The formed elements are erythrocytes (RBCs), leucocytes (WBCs), and thrombocytes (platelets). RBCs are the most numerous (~5–5.5 million/mm³ in males). They are biconcave, enucleate (in mammals), and packed with haemoglobin for O₂ transport. WBCs are far fewer (~6,000–8,000/mm³) and subdivide into granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) and agranulocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes). Neutrophils are the most abundant WBC type. Platelets (~1.5–3.5 lakh/mm³) are cell fragments involved in clotting.

Lymph (tissue fluid that enters lymphatic capillaries) resembles plasma but with key differences: lymph has fewer proteins and no RBCs. It carries WBCs — predominantly lymphocytes. Lymph drains into the venous system via the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct.

Watch-out: NEET distractors frequently swap albumin with globulin as the most abundant plasma protein, or claim lymph contains RBCs. Serum versus plasma is another recurrent one-mark question — remember, serum = plasma minus fibrinogen and clotting factors.

(Reference: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 18, page 330)

Practice MCQs

Select an option to see the explanation. Wrong answers show why your choice was tempting — and name the exact trap it exploits.

MCQ 1Easy RecallPractice

Which of the following is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma?

MCQ 2Easy RecallPractice

Serum differs from plasma in that serum lacks:

MCQ 3Easy RecallPractice

Which type of white blood cell is most abundant in human blood under normal conditions?

MCQ 4Direct ApplicationPractice

A student observes a blood smear and finds cells that are biconcave, enucleate, and contain haemoglobin. These cells are:

MCQ 5Direct ApplicationPractice

Lymph differs from blood in which of the following ways?

MCQ 6Direct ApplicationPractice

The normal count of erythrocytes per mm³ of blood in an adult human male is approximately:

MCQ 7Concept TrapPractice

A patient's blood sample is allowed to clot in a test tube. The clear fluid obtained after removing the clot is called:

MCQ 8Concept TrapPractice

Which of the following statements about formed elements of blood is correct?

Worked Example

  1. 1

    Given

    A question states: "Blood plasma contains three major types of proteins. Arrange them in decreasing order of their abundance."

  2. 2

    Required

    Identify the three major plasma proteins and rank them by relative abundance.

  3. 3

    Concept

    Blood plasma is ~7% protein by weight. The three principal protein fractions are albumins, globulins, and fibrinogen. Their relative proportions are well-established in NCERT (Class 11 Biology, Chapter 18).

  4. 4

    Formula / Rule

    No mathematical formula — this is a factual recall question. The key fact: - Albumins ≈ 60% of total plasma protein - Globulins ≈ 35% - Fibrinogen ≈ 4%

  5. 5

    Substitution

    Ranking: Albumin > Globulin > Fibrinogen.

  6. 6

    Calculation

    Not applicable (pure recall).

  7. 7

    Final answer

    The decreasing order of abundance is: **Albumin > Globulin > Fibrinogen**.

  8. 8

    Common trap

    NEET distractors often swap albumin and globulin in the ranking, or present fibrinogen as more abundant than globulins. The mnemonic "AGF — Albumin Greatest First" may help, but the underlying logic is simpler: albumin is small and abundant because it maintains osmotic pressure (a continuous, high-demand function), while fibrinogen is needed only during clotting events.

  9. 9

    Similar NEET-style question

    "Which plasma protein is responsible for maintaining colloid osmotic pressure of blood?" — Answer: Albumin. The reasoning is the same: albumin's abundance and relatively small size make it the principal contributor to oncotic pressure. ---

Before solving, remember these

Key Fact

Blood and lymph

Blood: 55% plasma + 45% formed elements (RBC: 5M/μL, no nucleus in mammals; WBC: 6-8K/μL — granulocytes + agranulocytes; platelets: 1.5-4 lakh). Plasma: 90-92% water, 6-8% proteins (albumin, globulin, fibrinogen). Lymph: tissue fluid.

-- NCERT Class 11 Biology, Ch. 18, p. 330

Formulas

Cardiac output

Volume of blood pumped per minute = heart rate × stroke volume. Normal ~5 L/min at rest.

SymbolQuantitySI Unit
COcardiac outputL/min
HRheart rate/min
SVstroke volumemL

Valid when

  • At rest

Respiratory volumes and capacities

Defines lung volumes and their sums (capacities). TV ~500 mL, IRV ~3000 mL, ERV ~1100 mL, RV ~1200 mL.

SymbolQuantitySI Unit
TVtidalmL
IRVinspiratory reservemL
ERVexpiratory reservemL
RVresidualmL

Valid when

  • Normal adult resting
  • Spirometry-measured (RV indirect)

Exam Traps & Common Mistakes

These are the exact patterns that cause wrong answers in NEET. Each trap includes when it triggers and how to avoid it.

Trap

Lung capacity includes which volumes

Category: Similar Terms

Capacities are SUMS of volumes. VC = TV+IRV+ERV (excludes RV); TLC = VC+RV.

When it triggers

Question asks which capacity equals sum of which volumes.

How to avoid

VC excludes RV (residual is unmeasurable directly); TLC includes everything.

Trap

Oxyhaemoglobin curve shift direction

Category: Graph Interpretation

Right shift (lower affinity, more O2 release) caused by ↑CO2, ↑H+, ↑temperature, ↑2,3-BPG (Bohr effect). Left = opposite.

When it triggers

Question on tissue-vs-lung haemoglobin behaviour, exercise effect.

How to avoid

In tissues (high CO2/low pH/high T) → right shift → release O2. In lungs → left → bind O2.

Past Year Questions

57 questions from NEET 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. Answers verified against NTA official keys.

NEET 2025

Given below are two statements : Statement I : The DNA fragments extracted from gel electrophoresis can be used in construction of recombinant DNA. Statement II : Smaller size DNA fragments are observed near anode while larger fragments are found near the wells in an agarose gel. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

1Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct
2Both statement I and statement II are correct
3Both statement I and statement II are incorrect
4Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect
NTA Answer: Option 2(final)
NEET 2025

The blue and white selectable markers have been developed which differentiate recombinant colonies from non- recombinant colonies on the basis of their ability to produce colour in the presence of a chromogenic substrate. Given below are two statements about this method: Statement I : The blue coloured colonies have DNA insert in the plasmid and they are identified as recombinant colonies. Statement II : The colonies without blue colour have DNA insert in the plasmid and are identified as recombinant colonies. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the op

1Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
2Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
3Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
4Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
NTA Answer: Option 1(final)
NEET 2025

Match List-I with List-II. List-I List-II A. Emphysema I. Rapid spasms in muscle due to low Ca++ in body fluid B. Angina Pectoris II. Damaged alveolar walls and decreased respiratory surface C. Glomerulonephritis III. Acute chest pain when not enough oxygen is reaching to heart muscle D. Tetany IV. Inflammation of glomeruli of kidney Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

1A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
2A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
3A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
4A-II, B-IV, C-III, D-I
NTA Answer: Option 1(final)
NEET 2025

Find the correct statement : (A) In human pregnancy, the major organ systems are formed at the end of 12 weeks. (B) In human pregnancy the major organ systems are formed at the end of 8 weeks. (C) In human pregnancy heart is formed after one month of gestation. (D) In human pregnancy, limbs and digits develop by the end of second month. (E) In human pregnancy the appearance of hair is usually observed in the fifth month. Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

1A, C, D and E only
2A and E only
3B and C only
4B, C, D and E only
NTA Answer: Option 1(final)
NEET 2024

Match List I with List II List I List II A. Expiratory capacity I. Expiratory reserve volume + Tidal volume + Inspiratory reserve volume B. Functional residual II. Tidal volume + Expiratory reserve volume capacity C. Vital capacity III. Tidal volume + Inspiratory reserve volume D. Inspiratory capacity IV. Expiratory reserve volume + Residual volume Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

1A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
2A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I
3A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
4A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
NTA Answer: Option 1(final)
NEET 2024

Given below are two statements : Statement I : In the nephron, the descending limb of loop of Henle is impermeable to water and permeable to electrolytes. Statement II : The proximal convoluted tubule is lined by simple columnar brush border epithelium and increases the surface area for reabsorption. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the option given below :

1Both statement I and Statement II are true
2Both statement I and Statement II are false
3Statement I is true but Statement II is false
4Statement I is false but Statement II is true
NTA Answer: Option 2(final)
NEET 2024

Choose the correct statement given below regarding juxta medullary nephron.

1Juxta medullary nephrons are located in the columns of Bertini.
2Renal corpuscle of juxta medullary nephron lies in the outer portion of the renal medulla.
3Loop of Henle of juxta medullary nephron runs deep into medulla.
4Juxta medullary nephrons outnumber the cortical nephrons.
NTA Answer: Option 3(final)
NEET 2024

Given below are two statements: Statement I: The cerebral hemispheres are connected by nerve tract known as corpus callosum. Statement II: The brain stem consists of the medulla oblongata, pons and cerebrum. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

1Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
2Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
3Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
4Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
NTA Answer: Option 3(final)
NEET 2024

Given below are two statements : Statement I : Bone marrow is the main lymphoid organ where all blood cells including lymphocytes are produced. Statement II : Both bone marrow and thymus provide micro environments for the development and maturation of T-lymphocytes. In the light of above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

1Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
2Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
3Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
4Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
NTA Answer: Option 1(final)
NEET 2024

Match List I with List II : List - I List – II A. Exophthalmic goiter I. Excess secretion of cortisol, moon face & hypergylcemia. B. Acromegaly II. Hypo-secretion of thyroid hormone and stunted growth. C. Cushing’s syndrome III. Hyper secretion of thyroid hormone & protruding eye balls. D. Cretinism IV. Excessive secretion of growth hormone. Choose the correct answer from the options given below

1A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
2A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
3A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
4A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
NTA Answer: Option 4(final)
NEET 2023

Axile placentation is observed in

1China rose, Beans and Lupin
2Tomato, Dianthus and Pea
3China rose, Petunia and Lemon
4Mustard, Cucumber and Primrose
NTA Answer: Option 3(final)
NEET 2023

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

1Algal blooms caused by excess of organic matter in water improve water quality and promote fisheries
2Water hyacinth grows abundantly in eutrophic water bodies and leads to an imbalance in the ecosystem dynamics of the water body
3The amount of some toxic substances of industrial waste water increases in the organisms at successive trophic levels
4The micro-organisms involved in biodegradation of organic matter in a sewage polluted water body consume a lot of oxygen causing the death of aquatic organisms
NTA Answer: Option 1(final)
NEET 2023

Which of the following statements is correct?

1Biomagnification refers to increase in concentration of the toxicant at successive trophic levels.
2Presence of large amount of nutrients in water restricts ‘Algal Bloom’
3Algal Bloom decreases fish mortality
4Eutrophication refers to increase in domestic sewage and waste water in lakes.
NTA Answer: Option 1(final)
NEET 2023

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R. Assertion A: Nephrons are of two types: Cortical & Juxta medullary, based on their relative position in cortex and medulla. Reason R: Juxta medullary nephrons have short loop of Henle whereas, cortical nephrons have longer loop of Henle. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
2A is true but R is false.
3A is false but R is true.
4Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
NTA Answer: Option 2(final)
NEET 2023

Given below are two statements: Statement I: Vas deferens receives a duct from seminal vesicle and opens into urethra as the ejaculatory duct. Statement Il: The cavity of the cervix is called cervical canal which along with vagina forms birth canal. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
2Statement I is correct but Statement II is false.
3Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true.
4Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
NTA Answer: Option 4(final)
NEET 2022

Which of the following is not observed during apoplastic pathway ?

1Apoplast is continuous and does not provide any barrier to water movement
2Movement of water occurs through intercellular spaces and wall of the cells
3The movement does not involve crossing of cell membrane
4The movement is aided by cytoplasmic streaming
NTA Answer: Option 4(final)
NEET 2022

Given below are two statements : Statement I : The coagulum is formed of network of threads called thrombins. Statement II : Spleen is the graveyard of erythrocytes. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

1Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
2Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
3Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
4Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
NTA Answer: Option 1(final)
NEET 2022

In-situ conservation refers to:

1Conserve only extinct species
2Protect and conserve the whole ecosystem
3Conserve only high-risk species
4Conserve only endangered species
NTA Answer: Option 2(final)
NEET 2022

Select the incorrect statement regarding synapses :

1Impulse transmission across a chemical synapse is always faster than that across an electrical synapse.
2The membranes of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons are in close proximity in an electrical synapse.
3Electrical current can flow directly from one neuron into the other across the electrical synapse.
4Chemical synapses use neurotransmitters
NTA Answer: Option 1(final)
NEET 2022

Match List-I with List-II with respect to methods of Contraception and their respective actions. List-I List-II (a) Diaphragms (i) Inhibit ovulation and Implantation (b) Contraceptive Pills (ii) Increase phagocytosis of sperm within Uterus (c) Intra Uterine Devices (iii) Absence of Menstrual cycle and ovulation following parturition (d) Lactational Amenorrhea (iv) They cover the cervix blocking the entry of sperms Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1(a) - (iii), (b) - (ii), (c) - (i), (d) - (iv)
2(a) - (iv), (b) - (i), (c) - (iii), (d) - (ii)
3(a) - (iv), (b) - (i), (c) - (ii), (d) - (iii)
4(a) - (ii), (b) - (iv), (c) - (i), (d) - (iii)
NTA Answer: Option 3(final)
NEET 2021

Assertion (A): A person goes to high altitude and Choose the correct answer from the options given experiences 'altitude sickness' with symptoms like below breathing difficulty and heart palpitations. (a) (b) (c) (d) Reason (R): Due to low atmospheric pressure at

1(ii) (iii) (i) (iv) high altitude, the body does not get sufficent
2(iv) (i) (iii) (ii) oxygen.
3(iii) (iv) (i) (ii) In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
4(i) (ii) (iv) (iii) (1) (A) is false but (R) is true
NTA Answer: Option 3(final)
NEET 2020

ª‹Ã ∑§ÕŸ ∑§Ê øÈÁŸ∞–

1≈UÒÁŸŸ, ⁄U Á¡Ÿ, Ã‹Ò •ÊÁŒ ∑§ ¡◊Ê „ÊŸ ∑§ ∑§Ê⁄UáÊ •Ã —∑§Êc∆U 93. Identify the incorrect statement. ª„⁄ U ⁄ Uª ∑§Ë „Ê ÃË „Ò– (1) Due to deposition of tannins, resins, oils etc.,
2• ×∑§Êc∆U ¡‹ ∑§Ê øÊ‹Ÿ Ÿ„Ë ∑§⁄UÃË, ¬⁄UãÃÈ ÿÊ ÁòÊ∑§ heart wood is dark in colour. ‚„ÊÿÃÊ ¬˝ŒÊŸ ∑§⁄UÃË „Ò– (2) Heart wood does not conduct water but gives mechanical support.
3⁄U‚ŒÊM§ ¡«∏ ‚ ¬ûÊË Ã∑§ ¡‹ ∑ § øÊ‹Ÿ ◊ •ÊÒ⁄U πÁŸ¡Ê (3) Sapwood is involved in conduction of water ∑ § øÊ‹Ÿ ◊ ‡ÊÊÁ◊‹ „Ê ÃË „Ò– and minerals from root to leaf.
4⁄U‚ŒÊM§ ‚’‚ ÷ËÃ⁄UË ÁmÃËÿ∑§ ŒÊM§ „Ê ÃÊ „Ò •ÊÒ⁄U ÿ„ (4) Sapwood is the innermost secondary xylem •¬ ˇÊÊ∑Χà „À∑ § ⁄ Uª ∑§Ë „Ê ÃË „Ò– and is lighter in colour. H3 22 Hindi+English
NTA Answer: Option 4(final)
NEET 2020

Identify the correct statement with reference to human digestive system. 96. ◊ÊŸfl ¬ÊøŸ à òÊ ‚ ‚ ŒÁ÷¸Ã ‚„Ë ∑§ÕŸ ∑§Ê øÿŸ ∑§⁄UÊ –

1Vermiform appendix arises from duodenum. (1) ∑ΧÁ◊M§¬ ¬Á⁄U‡Ê Á ∑§Ê ª˝„áÊË ‚ ©à¬ÛÊ „Ê ÃÊ „Ò–
2Ileum opens into small intestine. (2) ˇÊÈŒ˝Ê òÊ ¿UÊ ≈UË •Ê à ◊ πÈ‹ÃÊ „Ò–
3Serosa is the innermost layer of the alimentary canal. (3) Á‚⁄UÊ ‚Ê •Ê„Ê⁄U ŸÊ‹ ∑§Ê ‚’‚ •ãŒ⁄U flÊ‹Ë ¬⁄Uà „Ê ÃË „Ò–
4Ileum is a highly coiled part. (4) ˇÊÈŒ˝Ê òÊ •àÿÊÁœ∑§ ∑È §«UÁ‹Ã ÷ʪ „Ê ÃÊ „Ò–
NTA Answer: Option 4(final)
NEET 2020

ÁŸêŸ Sà ÷Ê ∑§Ê Á◊‹ÊŸ ∑§⁄U ‚„Ë Áfl∑§À¬ ∑§Ê øÿŸ ∑§⁄UÊ – 98. Match the following columns and select the correct option. Sà ÷ - I Sà ÷ - II Column - I Column - II (a) ¬ËÿÍ ª˝ ÁÕ (i) ª˝ fl‚ ⁄UÊ ª (a) Pituitary gland (i) Grave’s disease (b) ÕÊÿ⁄UÊÚß«U ª˝ ÁÕ (ii) «UÊÿÊÁ’≈UË¡ ◊ Á‹≈U‚ (b) Thyroid gland (ii) Diabetes mellitus (c) •ÁœflÎÄ∑§ ª˝ ÁÕ (iii) «UÊÿÊÁ’≈UË¡ ßã‚ËÁ¬«U‚ (c) Adrenal gland (iii) Diabetes insipidus (d) •ÇãÿʇÊÿ (iv) ∞«UË‚Ÿ ⁄UÊ ª (d) Pancreas (iv) Addison’s disease (a) (b) (c) (d) (a) (b) (c) (d)

1(ii) (i) (iv) (iii) (1) (ii) (i) (iv) (iii)
2(iv) (iii) (i) (ii) (2) (iv) (iii) (i) (ii)
3(iii) (ii) (i) (iv) (3) (iii) (ii) (i) (iv)
4(iii) (i) (iv) (ii) (4) (iii) (i) (iv) (ii)
NTA Answer: Option 4(final)
NEET 2020

Match the following columns and select the 103. ÁŸêŸ Sà ÷Ê ∑§Ê Á◊‹ÊŸ ∑§⁄U ‚„Ë Áfl∑§À¬ ∑§Ê øÿŸ ∑§⁄UÊ – correct option. Sà ÷ - I Sà ÷ - II Column - I Column - II (a) ÿÍÕ, ’„È„Ê⁄UË ¬Ë«U∑§ (i) ∞S≈ UÁ⁄Uÿ‚ (a) Gregarious, polyphagous (i) Asterias pest (b) √ÿS∑§Ê ◊ •⁄UËÿ ‚◊Á◊Áà ∞fl (ii) Á’ë¿ÈU (b) Adult with radial (ii) Scorpion ‹Êflʸ ◊ Ám¬Ê‡fl¸ ‚◊Á◊Áà symmetry and larva (c) ¬ÈSà »È§å»È§‚ (iii) ≈UËŸÊ å‹ÊŸÊ with bilateral symmetry (d) ¡Ëfl‚ ŒËÁåà (iv) ‹Ê ∑§S≈UÊ (c) Book lungs (iii) Ctenoplana (d) Bioluminescence (iv) Locusta (a) (b) (c) (d)

1(ii) (i) (iii) (iv) (a) (b) (c) (d)
2(i) (iii) (ii) (iv) (1) (ii) (i) (iii) (iv)
3(iv) (i) (ii) (iii) (2) (i) (iii) (ii) (iv)
4(iii) (ii) (i) (iv) (3) (iv) (i) (ii) (iii) (4) (iii) (ii) (i) (iv)
NTA Answer: Option 3(final)

How NEET usually asks this

Recurring question shapes from past papers. Each pattern shows why wrong options look tempting.

Sources

NCERT refs: Class 11 Biology Chapter 18, p.330

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