What Is the Lymphatic System?
2. Gross Anatomy - Lymph
Lymph is a fluid that is derived from blood plasma. Due to the pressure exerted by the heart or osmotic pressure, lymph is fluid that is pushed out through the capillary wall. It contains oxygen, nutrients, hormones, cellular waste products, and toxins that are generated by the cells. As the intestinal fluid accumulates gradually, it is eventually picked up and removed by the vessels passing through the lymph nodes and helps to return the fluid into the venous system.
Since the lymph passes through lymph nodes, monocytes and lymphocytes are able to enter it. At the gastrointestinal tract, lymph appears milky as it has a high fat content, glycerol, and fatty acids. In the gastrointestinal tract, lacteals function to transport intestinal fat.
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