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. Lymphatic fluid carries white blood cells, nutrients, and other substances throughout the body in lymph vessels. As lymphatic fluid 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 lymphatic fluid returns to the bloodstream to help maintain fluid balance in the body and immune health. Also called lymph.