Definition

Clear, watery fluid that comes from plasma (the liquid part of the blood) that has leaked through the blood capillary walls into the spaces around cells. Lymph carries white blood cells, nutrients, and other substances throughout the body in lymph vessels. As lymph flows through the lymph vessels, it collects extra fluids, cellular debris, and harmful substances from the tissues and is filtered by lymph nodes. The filtered lymph returns to the bloodstream to help maintain fluid balance in the body and immune health. Also called lymphatic fluid.