What are the functions of lymph?

Question

Answer

The primary function of the lymphaticsystem is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. Thelymphatic system primarily consists oflymphatic vessels, which are similar to the circulatory system's veins and capillaries

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Answer

There are two major functions of the lymphatic system. The first is to drain interstitial fluid and maintain the fluid balance between blood and tissue fluid. The second is to fight infection and mediate immunity...

Answer

Lymph is a colourless fluid present in our body.It circulated all throughout the lymphatic system . It is collected in the lymphatic capillaries.It is formed when the interstitial fluid is collected through lymph capillaries.
(i) Lymph Plasma:

It is similar to that of blood but has fewer blood proteins, less calcium and phosphorus and high glucose concentration. Mainly globulin proteins are present which are actually antibodies. Other components of the lymph plasma are very much like that of blood plasma, i.e., organic, inorganic substances, water, etc.

(ii) Lymph Corpuscles:

These are floating amoeboid cells, the leucocytes (white blood corpuscles), which are mostly lymphocytes. Erythrocytes (red blood corpuscles) and platelets are absent in lymph.

Lymphoid Organs:

The organs which secrete lymph are called lymphoid organs. Besides the lymph nodes, tonsils, thymus gland, spleen and Peyer’s patches are the other lymphoid organs. The spleen is the largest mass of lymphatic tissue in the body.

1. Lymph acts as a “middle man” which transports oxygen, food materials, hormones, etc., to the body cells and brings carbon dioxide and other metabolic wastes, from the body cells to blood and then finally pours the same into the venous system.

2. Body cells are kept moist by the lymph.

3. Lymph nodes produce lymphocytes. Lymph takes lymphocytes and antibodies from the lymph nodes to the blood.

4. It destroys the invading microorganisms and foreign particles in the lymph nodes.

5. It absorbs and transports fat and fat soluble vitamins from the intestine. Lymphatic capillaries present in the intestinal villi are called lacteals which are associated with absorption and transportation of fat and fat soluble vitamins.

6. It brings plasma protein macromolecules synthesized in the liver cells and hormones produced in the endocrine glands to the blood. These molecules cannot pass into the narrow blood capillaries but can diffuse into the lymphatic capillaries.

7. Lymph maintains the volume of the blood. As soon as the volume of the blood reduces in the blood vascular system, the lymph rushes from the lymphatic system to the blood vascular system. ect.

Answer

Functions of Lymph

Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and organs that helps to maintain fluid balance and defend the body against infections. The functions of lymph can be broadly categorized into three main areas: transportation, immune response, and fluid balance.

1. Transportation

Lymph plays a vital role in the transportation of various substances within the body. It collects excess fluid, known as lymphatic fluid or lymph, from the interstitial spaces between cells and tissues, and returns it to the bloodstream. This helps to maintain fluid balance and prevent the accumulation of excess fluid, which can lead to edema.

Lymph also transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products. Nutrients such as fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed from the intestines and transported through lymphatic vessels called lacteals. These nutrients are eventually transported to the bloodstream for distribution to cells and tissues.

2. Immune Response

The lymphatic system is an integral part of the body's immune response, and lymph plays a crucial role in this process. Lymph contains lymphocytes, which are specialized white blood cells that help to defend the body against pathogens and foreign substances.

Lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow and mature in the lymphoid tissues, such as the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. They are carried by lymphatic vessels to various parts of the body, where they can encounter and eliminate pathogens. Lymphocytes can recognize and respond to specific antigens, initiating an immune response to neutralize or destroy the invading organisms.

3. Fluid Balance

Maintaining proper fluid balance is essential for the normal functioning of cells and tissues. Excess fluid that accumulates in the interstitial spaces is collected by lymphatic vessels and transported as lymph. The lymphatic system helps to prevent the buildup of excess fluid and maintain the balance between blood plasma and interstitial fluid.

Additionally, lymphatic vessels play a crucial role in the absorption and transport of dietary fats. In the small intestine, fats are emulsified by bile salts and form small droplets called micelles. These micelles are absorbed by the lacteals in the intestinal villi and transported as chyle, a milky fluid, through the lymphatic system before eventually entering the bloodstream.

In summary, the functions of lymph include transportation of fluids, nutrients, and waste products, immune response through the presence of lymphocytes, and maintenance of fluid balance within the body.

Answer

The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. The lymphatic system primarily consists of lymphatic vessels, which are similar to the circulatory system's veins and capillaries.

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