Definition
noun
The clear, slightly alkaline, bodily fluid bathing body tissues containing mostly of white blood cells, and is found in the lymphatic vessels that drain the tissues of the fluid that filters across the blood vessel walls from blood
Supplement
Lymph is the fluid circulating through the lymphatic system. It is clear and yellowish to almost colourless. It is slightly alkaline. It is similar to blood plasma however lymph contains mainly of white blood cells. Lymph coming from lymph nodes is abundant in lymphocytes. Chyle, which is the milky bodily fluid formed in the small intestine of humans during the digestion of fatty foods, consists of lymph and emulsified fats that is carried through the lymphatic system to the systemic circulation via the thoracic duct. Thus, it transports fats from the digestive system. Apart from fat transport, it returns excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream. It also brings microbes to the lymph nodes for destruction.
Word origin: French lymphe, Latin lympha (water, water nymph), Greek númphē (nymph)
See also:
- white blood cell
- lymphatic system
- chyle
- lymphocyte
- lymphoid
Related term(s):
