What is lymph?

Hint: A fluid that contains white blood cells in a liquid resembling blood plasma. It is slightly alkaline in nature. It is a fluid that flows through the lymphatic system. It is derived from interstitial fluid. Helps in the transport of fats. It removes bacteria from tissues.

Complete answer:
Lymph is a clear to pale-white, a coagulable fluid which consists of White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria in the blood, Fluid from the intestines called chyle, which contains proteins and fats, which circulates throughout the lymphatic system. The main function of the lymphatic system is to act as a filter against microbes, organic wastes, and other debris.

The lymph comprises of:
- Lymph plasma-consists of less calcium, few blood proteins, less phosphorus, and high glucose concentration.
- Lymph corpuscles-comprise leucocytes and amoeboid cells.
- Lymphoid organs- The lymphatic system consists of numerous lymph nodes deep inside the body. These lymph nodes are connected to lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic vessels circulate the lymph throughout the body. The lymph gets filtered at the lymph nodes.

The spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and the thymus all form a part of the lymphatic system. The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the system Other parts of the lymphatic system – tonsils, adenoids, and thymus are located on either side of the throat and neck.

Additional information:
The functions of interstitial fluid are as follows:
- It is used to transport nutrients to the cells.
- It enables intercellular communication between the cells.
- It removes the metabolic wastes from the cells.
- The interstitial fluid is collected by the lymphatic system and the rest is drained out. The drained fluid moves back to the blood vessels and the remaining fluid is collected through the lymph capillaries, which is also known as lymphatic capillaries.

Note: Lymph is a very important fluid in the body. It contains WBCs. It keeps the body cells moist. It transports oxygen, hormones, and nutrients to different parts of the body and removes metabolic waste from the cells. It transports antibodies and lymphocytes to the blood. Absorption of fats from the small intestine through lymphatic vessels. Prevents invasion of microbes and foreign substances inside the lymph nodes.