Blood and lymph are two vital fluids present in the human body that perform different functions. Blood is a circulating fluid in the body, while lymph is a clear fluid that flows throughout the lymphatic system.

Functions

Blood performs the following functions in the body:

1. Transport of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products to different parts of the body.

2. Regulation of body temperature, pH, and electrolyte balance.

3. Protection against infections and diseases by carrying white blood cells and antibodies.

Lymph performs the following functions in the body:

1. Removal of excess fluids, waste products, and foreign substances from the tissues.

2. Absorption and transport of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system.

Composition

Blood consists of the following components:

1. Plasma - the liquid part of blood that contains water, proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and waste products.

2. Red blood cells (RBCs) - cells that carry oxygen to the body tissues.

3. White blood cells (WBCs) - cells that protect the body against infections and diseases.

4. Platelets - cells that help in blood clotting.

Lymph consists of the following components:

1. Lymphatic vessels - thin tubes that carry lymph throughout the body.

2. Lymph nodes - small, bean-shaped structures that filter lymph and trap foreign substances.

3. Lymphocytes - specialized white blood cells that fight infections and diseases.

4. Macrophages - cells that engulf and digest foreign substances.

Circulation

Blood circulates through the body in a closed system of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. The heart pumps blood to different parts of the body.

Lymph circulates through the body in a one-way system of lymphatic vessels. The movement of lymph is aided by smooth muscle contraction, skeletal muscle contraction, and breathing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, blood and lymph are two important fluids in the human body that perform different functions. Blood transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products, regulates body temperature and pH, and protects against infections and diseases. On the other hand, lymph removes excess fluids, waste products, and foreign substances from the tissues, absorbs and transports fats and fat-soluble vitamins, and fights infections and diseases.

Blood = Plasma + Cells (RBC’s, WBC’s, Platelets)Lymph = Plasma + WBC’sPlasma = Water + Nutrients + Waste products + Gases (i.e. everything except any cell)BloodLymph1. It forms circulatory system1. It forms lymphatic system2. RBC’s and platelets present2. RBC’s and platelets absent3. Neutrophils are more3. Lymphocytes in largest amount4. Soluble proteins in large amount but insoluble in small amount4. Soluble proteins in small amount and insoluble in large amount5. Oxygen and nutrients in large amount but carbon-di-oxide less5. Carbon-di-oxide in large amount6. It is of red color6. It is colorless