askvity

What Lymph Fluid Contains

Published in Body Fluid 3 mins read

What is Lymph Fluid?

Lymph fluid, also known as lymphatic fluid, is the extra fluid that drains from cells and tissues in your body and isn't reabsorbed into your capillaries. It's a colorless fluid that travels through a network of vessels called the lymphatic system.

Lymph contains a variety of substances, including:

  • Proteins
  • Minerals
  • Fats
  • Damaged cells
  • Cancer cells (in some cases)
  • Germs (bacteria, viruses)

The Role of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system, a network of vessels and nodes, plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's health. It helps:

  • Drain excess fluid: Preventing fluid buildup in tissues.
  • Transport fats: Absorbing fats from the digestive system.
  • Fight infection: Filtering out harmful substances and pathogens.
  • Support immune function: Housing immune cells that defend against disease.

The lymphatic system collects this fluid from tissues and organs, except for the central nervous system, and returns it to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes, small bean-shaped structures along the lymphatic vessels, filter the lymph fluid, removing waste and harmful substances. Damaged or removed lymph nodes can disrupt this process, leading to fluid buildup (lymphedema).

Sources

The information above is compiled from various sources, including:

Related Articles