Question

Describe the functions of the following components of the transport system.
(i) Blood

(ii) Lymph

Answer 1

Blood is a fluid connective tissue. It is composed of plasma and formed elements such as red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. The major functions of blood include;

• Transportation of respiratory gases and digested food materials.
• Transportation of waste materials.
• Transportation of hormones.
• Maintaining pH and water balance.
• Regulating body temperature.
  

Lymph is a colorless fluid derived from filtration of blood through capillary walls in the tissue forming the interstitial fluid. It is circulated throughout the body through lymphatic vessels when this interstitial fluid is collected by lymphatic capillaries. The major functions of lymph include;

• Serving as middlemen between blood and tissue to facilitate transportation of substances and gases to one another.
• Transportation of digested fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Lymph also absorbs fats and lipids from small intestines and transfers to blood as small droplets called chylomicrons.
• Storage of lymphocytes which fight against infections by bacteria and other foreign particles.