ACOLS Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Training Practice Test

This item tests the idea that transport capacity is decreased when the lymphatic vessels themselves are blocked or damaged. When obstruction or damage occurs, the channels that normally move lymph are physically compromised, so the system can’t transport lymph effectively—this is mechanical insufficiency.

In contrast, dynamic insufficiency happens when there’s too much lymphatic load for the vessels to handle, even though the vessels’ transport capacity is still intact. Mural insufficiency involves changes in the vessel wall that affect propulsion, not just a blocked or damaged pathway. Combined insufficiency is when both load and transport capacity are issues.