Question

Explain lymph and its functions in a simple manner.

Answer 1

Lymph is the fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system. The lymph is formed when the interstitial fluid (the fluid which lies in the interstices of all body tissues)is collected through lymph capillaries. It is then transported through larger lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes, where it is cleaned by lymphocytes, before emptying ultimately into the right or the left subclavian vein, where it mixes back with the blood.

Lymph consists of the following components:

1. Carbohydrates
2. Lymphocytes
3. Creatinine
4. Water – 94%
5. Urea
6. Chlorides
7. Enzymes
8. Very low amount of fat
9. Proteins – Albumin, globulin, and fibrinogen
10. Nonprotein nitrogenous substance

The functions of the lymph are as follows:

1. It is used to supply nutrients to the body.
2. It is used to remove the metabolic wastes from the tissue cells.
3. It is used to maintain the composition of tissue fluid.
4. It is used to absorb the fats from the small intestine through lymphatic vessels.
5. It is used to act against the pathogenic infections of microbes.