Blood is the special fluid integrator in our body and plays an important role in transporting various substances to different parts of the body.
The primary blood components are red blood cells, white cells, red blood cells and plasma. Blood is an important part of the human circulatory system, performing many functions e.g.
Lymph is a clear to white fluid composed of lymphocytes and white blood cells. The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and is usually found in the lymphatic vessels and various cavities of the body.
It plays an important role in transporting white blood cells to the lymph nodes and bones, removing interstitial fluids and fighting pathogens and infectious viruses that attack red blood cells. The main functions of blood are:
Difference Between Blood and Lymph
| Lymph | Blood |
| Definition | |
| It is a colourless fluid. | It is a reddish – coloured fluid. |
| Process occurs in | |
| It is part of the lymphatic system. | It is part of the circulatory system. |
| Functions | |
| It helps in body defence and is a part of the immune system. | It is involved in circulating nutrients, hormones, oxygen and carbon dioxide, wastes and other toxins. |
| Comprised of | |
| It contains plasma and a lesser number of WBCs and platelets. | It has plasma, RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. |
| Oxygen level | |
| Carries less oxygen and digested food. | Carries more oxygen and digested food. |
| Proteins and minerals | |
| Lymph plasma lacks proteins. | Blood plasma consists of proteins, calcium, and phosphorus. |
| Supply of Nutrients | |
| Nutrients are supplied from the cells, and issued to the blood through lymphatic vessels. | Nutrients are supplied to different organs. |
| Flow | |
| Very slow compared to blood. | Blood flows fast in the blood vessels. |
| Formation of Clots | |
| Clots slowly due to the presence of less fibrinogen. | Clots quickly due to the presence of more fibrinogen. |
| Movements | |
| The movement of lymph is in a single direction. | The movement of blood is in a circular motion. |
