Lymph (noun, “LIMF”)

This is a clear or pale fluid that flows around the body’s tissues and contains white blood cells that fight infection. Lymph starts out as plasma, the liquid part of blood. As blood flows through the body, some of this plasma leaks into the spaces between cells. Here, it picks up waste products, such as pieces of cells that have died. It also picks up viruses and bacteria. Then the liquid, now called “lymph,” enters microscopic lymph capillaries.

Lymph flows from these capillaries to larger channels, called lymph vessels. These vessels carry lymph back to the bloodstream. But first, lymph enters bean-shaped nubs of tissue called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes remove waste products and other materials from lymph. Lymph nodes also contain white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells prepare the body to attack invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. If they detect these invaders, they destroy them or tell the body to make more infection-fighting cells.

The lymph vessels and nodes are part of the body’s lymphatic (Lim-FAAH-tic) system. This system also includes organs such as the spleen and tonsils, which make lymphocytes. In addition to helping fight disease, the lymphatic system also helps balance the body’s fluids.  

bacteria     (singular: bacterium) Single-celled organisms. These dwell nearly everywhere on Earth, from the bottom of the sea to inside other living organisms (such as plants and animals). Bacteria are one of the three domains of life on Earth.

cell     The smallest structural and functional unit of an organism. Typically too small to see with the unaided eye, it consists of a watery fluid surrounded by a membrane or wall. Depending on their size, animals are made of anywhere from thousands to trillions of cells. Most organisms, such as yeasts, molds, bacteria and some algae, are composed of only one cell.

immune     (adj.) Having to do with the immunity. (v.) Able to ward off a particular infection. Alternatively, this term can be used to mean an organism shows no impacts from exposure to a particular poison or process. More generally, the term may signal that something cannot be hurt by a particular drug, disease or chemical.

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John Mathews
Journal Manager
Journal of Phlebology and Lymphology
Email: phlebology@eclinicalsci.com