Lymph is a clear to pale-white fluid which circulates throughout the lymphatic system. The main role of the lymphatic system is to act as a filter against microbes, organic wastes and other debris.

Let us have an overview of the composition and function of lymph.

Composition of Lymph
The lymph comprises lymph plasma, lymph corpuscles and lymphoid organs. The composition of lymph is described below:

Lymph Plasma
It consists of less calcium, few blood proteins, less phosphorus, and high glucose concentration. Globulin proteins which are actual antibodies are found in lymph plasma. Other substances include organic and inorganic substances.

Lymph Corpuscles
These 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 which circulate the lymph throughout the body. The lymph gets filtered at the lymph nodes.

The spleen, tonsils, adenoids and the thymus all forms a part of the lymphatic system. The spleen is considered as the largest lymphatic organ in the system, which is located under the ribcage, above the stomach, and exactly in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Other parts of the lymphatic system – tonsils, adenoids and thymus are located on either side of the throat and neck.

Other Components Of Lymph
Carbohydrates
Lymphocytes
Creatinine
Water – 94%
Urea
Chlorides
Enzymes
Very low amount of fat
Proteins – Albumin, globulin, and fibrinogen
Non-protein nitrogenous substances.

Function of Lymph
Lymph performs many important functions. Few major function of lymph are mentioned below:

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.
Maintaining the composition of tissue fluid and the volume of blood.
Absorption of fats from the small intestine through lymphatic vessels.
Prevents invasion of microbes and foreign substances inside the lymph nodes.
In animals and human beings, extracellular fluid (fluid outside the cell) is divided into the interstitial fluid (the fluid which exists between the tissues) and plasma. It consists of small water-soluble substances which flow in between the tissue cells. Both plasma and interstitial fluid are the same due to the continuous exchange of small solutes, water and ions across the capillary walls of the tissues.

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.

What is Lymphatic System?? Explain in details.

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. It is a crucial part of the immune system that fights infections, viruses, and diseases.

Components of Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is composed of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus gland, spleen, and tonsils.

Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphatic vessels are tiny, thin-walled vessels that carry lymph, a clear, watery fluid, throughout the body.

Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures located throughout the body. They filter lymph fluid and trap harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses.

Thymus Gland
The thymus gland is located in the chest and is an essential component of the immune system. It produces and develops T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infections.

Spleen
The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen. It filters blood and helps fight infections by producing white blood cells and removing old or damaged red blood cells.

Tonsils
Tonsils are located at the back of the throat and help fight off infections.

Function of Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance, transporting fats from the digestive system to the bloodstream, and aiding in the body's immune response.

How Lymphatic System Works
The lymphatic system works by collecting excess fluid, waste materials, and other harmful substances from the body's tissues and transporting them to the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes then filter the lymph fluid and trap any harmful substances. The lymphatic system also produces and transports white blood cells, which help fight off infections and diseases.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the lymphatic system is an essential part of the body's immune system that helps fight off infections, viruses, and diseases. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance, transporting fats, and aiding in the immune response.