Blood is the unique fluid connective tissue in our body, and it plays a significant role in transporting various substances to different body parts. The main components of blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, blood platelets and plasma. Blood is the main component of the human circulatory system, fulfilling many functions such as:
- Regulating body temperature.
- Regulates the water content of the cells.
- Protects against excess blood loss through clotting.
- Regulates the pH by interacting with acids and bases.
- Involved in transporting hormones, nutrition, enzymes, respiratory gases and other molecules to the respective parts of the body.
Lymph is a clear to white fluid tissue composed of lymphocytes and white blood cells. Lymph is part of the lymphatic system and is generally found in the body’s lymphatic vessels and various cavities. It plays a vital role by transporting the white blood cells within the lymph nodes and bones, removing interstitial fluid from tissues and fighting against the disease-causing and infectious bacteria invading the blood cells. The main functions of lymph include:
- Supplies nutrients to the body.
- Removes metabolic wastes from the tissue cells.
- Maintains the composition of tissue fluid.
- It helps in invading the entry of pathogenic infections caused by microbes.
- Absorbs fat-soluble vitamins and other digested fat molecules from the small intestine through lymphatic vessels.
Also Read: Difference between Plasma and Serum
Differences between the Blood and the Lymph
| Lymph | Blood |
| Definition | |
| It is a colourless fluid. | It is a reddish – coloured fluid. |
| Process occurs in | |
| It is part of the lymphatic system. | It is part of the circulatory system. |
| Functions | |
| It helps in body defence and is a part of the immune system. | It is involved in circulating nutrients, hormones, oxygen and carbon dioxide, wastes and other toxins. |
| Comprised of | |
| It contains plasma and a lesser number of WBCs and platelets. | It has plasma, RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. |
| Oxygen level | |
| Carries less oxygen and digested food. | Carries more oxygen and digested food. |
| Proteins and minerals | |
| Lymph plasma lacks proteins. | Blood plasma consists of proteins, calcium, and phosphorus. |
| Supply of Nutrients | |
| Nutrients are supplied from the cells, and issued to the blood through lymphatic vessels. | Nutrients are supplied to different organs. |
| Flow | |
| Very slow compared to blood. | Blood flows fast in the blood vessels. |
| Formation of Clots | |
| Clots slowly due to the presence of less fibrinogen. | Clots quickly due to the presence of more fibrinogen. |
| Movements | |
| The movement of lymph is in a single direction. | The movement of blood is in a circular motion. |
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