Final answer:
The statement in question is false; the lymphatic vessels do not specifically follow the renal arteries to the lateral aortic lymph nodes, as they have a separate network and converge at lymph nodes positioned throughout the body.
Therefore, option b is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The lymphatic vessels follow the renal artery to the lateral aortic lymph nodes near the origin of the renal artery' is false. The lymphatic system and the renal system have different functions and pathways, although both systems' vessels are present in the vicinity of the kidneys. The renal arteries and veins are responsible for transporting blood into and out of the kidneys, connecting with the aorta and inferior vena cava, while the lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a clear fluid, and pass through lymph nodes which filter the lymph. The lymphatic vessels do not specifically follow the renal arteries to the lateral aortic lymph nodes; instead, they have their network that converges at lymph nodes positioned throughout the body.