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Difference Between Blood and Lymph, Functions and Composition

Difference Between Blood and Lymph is that Blood circulates and transports substances. In contrast, lymph aids immunity and lacks red blood cells and platelets.
authorImageKrati Saraswat29 May, 2025
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Difference Between Blood and Lymph

Difference Between Blood and Lymph: Blood is a crimson liquid containing red blood cells, whereas lymph is a colorless liquid containing no red blood cells. Blood is a fluid that flows oxygen and nutrients. Most blood is in liquid form and includes various proteins and cells.

Lymph is a colorless fluid containing lymphocytes, or white blood cells. This article will explain the difference between blood and lymph.

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Difference Between Blood and Lymph Overview

Blood and lymph are necessary circulatory system components. They play different roles in maintaining physiological equilibrium. Blood is a fluid connective tissue. It comprises red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

In contrast, lymph is a transparent fluid within the lymphatic system. It lacks red blood cells and platelets but has white blood cells. They are primarily engaged in immune responses, fluid drainage from tissues, and helping waste removal and lymph functions in a complementary manner to blood.

   

Difference Between Blood and Lymph

Blood and lymph have different but interrelated roles in the human body. Blood is a necessary fluid that functions as a transport system. It transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials throughout the body's vascular network. Meanwhile, lymph is a clear fluid derived from interstitial fluid. It helps in the removal of cellular waste and potentially toxic substances from tissues. The difference between blood and lymph in tabular form is given below.

Difference Between Blood and Lymph

Basis

Blood

Lymph

Composition

Blood is a fluid connective tissue composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Lymph is a clear fluid that lacks red blood cells and platelets but contains white blood cells. It is derived from interstitial fluid.

Function

Blood transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis.

Lymph is part of the immune system, carrying white blood cells and assisting in removing cellular waste, pathogens, and toxins from tissues.

Circulatory System

Blood circulates through the cardiovascular system, pumped by the heart through arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Lymph circulates through the lymphatic system, which includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and organs like the spleen and thymus.

Color

Blood is typically red due to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Lymph is transparent or slightly yellowish in color.

Origin

Blood is produced in the bone marrow, with red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets arising from hematopoietic stem cells.

Lymph originates from interstitial fluid that leaks from blood capillaries into the surrounding tissues.

Blood 

Blood is a biological fluid in human and animal circulation systems. It transports metabolic waste away from cells while giving them critical nutrients and oxygen. Blood is composed of red blood cells suspended in plasma.

Plasma is a liquid component of water, salts, and protein. More than half of your blood is made up of plasma. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are found in the solid portion of the blood. RBCs are responsible for transporting oxygenated blood to your organs and tissues. Monocytes are the largest cells in the blood (averaging 15-18 m in diameter), accounting for approximately 7% of all leukocytes.

A, B, AB, and O are the four blood types. Blood can be Rh-positive or Rh-negative. You are either positive or negative if you have type A blood. Knowing your blood type is necessary if you need a blood transfusion. Furthermore, if you become pregnant, your Rh factor may be required since a mismatch between your type and the baby's type might lead to difficulties.

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Lymph

A lymphatic system comprises tissues, veins, and organs that work together to transport lymph, a colorless, watery fluid, back to the human circulatory system. The lymphatic system collects excess fluid from your body's cells and tissues and transports it to the circulation, where it may circulate throughout the body. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that function as key immune cells.

The immune system is a complex network of immune cells. It includes lymphocytes. These cells protect the body against external elements that might disrupt its function, such as viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.

Immune system cells called lymphocytes move through the circulation. The two main types of lymphocytes are T and B cells. Antibody molecules B cells produce attach to and destroy germs and viruses that invade the body. Breathlessness, weakness, and exhaustion are possible outcomes. Infections become more common when healthy white blood cells are lacking.

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Difference Between Blood and Lymph FAQs

How do blood vessels and lymphatic vessels differ in their functions?

Blood vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to cells in mammalian embryos and adults, while lymphatic vessels drain interstitial fluid, facilitate immune cell movement, and aid in fat absorption.

What is the color of lymph, and why may it appear yellow in capillaries?

Lymph is usually white or pale, but its color may be yellow in capillaries due to a higher concentration. This is attributed to the diverse composition of lymph in capillaries.

Why is blood considered essential for the body?

Blood is essential because it transports nutrients and oxygen to organs. It regulates temperatures, fights infections, and eliminates waste products. Without a sufficient blood supply, the body would weaken and face mortality.

What gives human blood its red color, and what role does hemoglobin play?

Human blood is red due to hemoglobin. It is a protein with a red-coloured compound called heme. Heme, containing an iron atom, binds with oxygen, facilitating its transport from the lungs to various body parts.

What does a red blood cell (RBC) count reveal in a blood test?

A red blood cell count in a blood test indicates the quantity of red blood cells present. Red blood cells containing hemoglobin are essential in transporting oxygen throughout the body.
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