Final answer:
Lymph nodes can have germinal centers where activated B-cells divide and they filter the lymph for microorganisms and foreign substances. Options A and D are incorrect because red and white pulp are specific to the spleen, and lymph nodes do not actively pump lymph.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the choices given for the function and characteristics of lymph nodes:
- B. can have germinal centers where activated B-cells divide is correct. Lymph nodes contain regions known as germinal centers which are rich in B cells and T cells, where activated B cells can indeed undergo division.
- C. filter the lymph for microorganisms and foreign substances is also correct. Lymph nodes act as filters of the lymphatic system, removing debris, microorganisms, and other foreign substances that are transported to them via the lymphatic fluid.
However, A. contain red and white pulp is incorrect because red and white pulp are characteristics of the spleen, not lymph nodes. Similarly, D. pump lymph toward infected tissues to bring activated cells is incorrect because lymph nodes do not pump lymph; the lymphatic system as a whole relies on the movement by skeletal muscles and breathing to move lymph through its vessels.
Therefore, the correct answer to this question is B. can have germinal centers where activated B-cells divide and C. filter the lymph for microorganisms and foreign substances.