Fluid found in lymphatic vessels is known as:
interstitial fluid
intracellular fluid
lymph
plasma
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: lymph
The fluid found in lymphatic vessels is called lymph. It originates as interstitial fluid, which is the fluid that surrounds the body’s cells. This interstitial fluid is formed when blood plasma filters out of capillaries due to pressure differences. Most of this fluid is reabsorbed directly back into the bloodstream through the capillaries. However, a portion of it enters the lymphatic capillaries and becomes lymph.
Lymphatic vessels are part of the lymphatic system, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance, filtering out harmful substances, and supporting the immune system. Once inside the lymphatic vessels, lymph flows in one direction — toward the heart — and passes through structures called lymph nodes. These nodes act as filters, removing bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles from the lymph before it is returned to the bloodstream.
Lymph is similar in composition to blood plasma but contains fewer proteins. It can carry immune cells such as lymphocytes, which help defend the body against infection. It also transports dietary fats from the intestines to the bloodstream through specialized vessels called lacteals, which are found in the lining of the small intestine.
The other options are incorrect. Interstitial fluid is the fluid that bathes cells and is the source of lymph but is not what flows through lymphatic vessels. Intracellular fluid is the fluid found inside cells and is not part of the lymphatic system. Plasma is the fluid component of blood and stays within blood vessels under normal conditions.
In summary, the fluid found in lymphatic vessels is lymph, which plays a critical role in fluid balance, immune defense, and nutrient absorption.