15 Important Difference Between Blood and Lymph with Similarities

What is the difference between blood and lymph?

Blood and lymph are crucial components in the circulatory and lymphatic systems. These extracellular fluids are present in the body and not in the cells. The fluids have a high content of sodium and potassium.

The main difference between lymph and blood is that the former is part of the immune system in the body while the latter helps in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Let’s find that out together in this article.

You May Also Enjoy: Difference between Veins and Arteries

Difference Between Blood and Lymph

Comparison Table (Blood vs Lymph)

Basic Terms Blood Lymph
Description It is part of the circulatory system that transport oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients to all parts of the body It is part of the lymphatic system that contribute to the immune system of the body
Color Red color fluid due to the presence of red blood cells Colorless fluid due to the absence of red blood cells.
Function Circulation of nutrients, hormones, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and wastes Help in body defense against diseases
Components Plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets Plasma, fewer white blood cells, and platelets
Oxygen Level Consists of more oxygen and digested food Transport less oxygen and digested food
Proteins and Minerals Plasma contains calcium, proteins, and phosphorus Plasma lacks proteins
Supply of Nutrients Nutrients are supplied to different organs Nutrients are supplied through cells, tissues to the blood in the lymphatic system
Rate of Flow Blood flow faster in the blood vessels Fluid flow very slowly
Formation of Clots Clot form faster due to the presence of fibrinogen Clotting usually occurs slowly due to fewer fibrinogen
Movement Circular motion Single direction
Purification Happen in the kidney Happen in the lymph nodes
Diseases Anemia, polycythemia, and thalassemia Lymphade, lymphede, and lymphoma
Visibility Visible in case of injury Invisible with naked eyes
Role in the Body Maintain body temperature and pH Store lymphocytes, and transports fat and fat-soluble vitamins.

What Is Blood?

Blood is an extracellular fluid present in the body. The fluid is responsible for the transportation of nutrients, hormones, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other wastes.

Blood is pumped by the heart and circulated to all parts of the body. It is a composition of similar cells that play specific roles in the body.

The group of cells is distributed in the plasma to form blood. The flow of blood in the body is a continuous process and it flows through the blood vessels.

Blood is red in color. It consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and hemoglobin. The content usually varies due to age, body weight, gender, and body type.

The Function of Blood in the Body

  1. Transport oxygen to tissues and organs
  2. Removal of metabolic wastes such as carbon dioxide and urea
  3. Distribution of nutrients to various parts of the body
  4. Help in maintenance of body temperature and pH
  5. Foster blood clotting to prevent severe blood loss
  6. Maintaining homeostasis

You May Also Enjoy: Difference between Closed and Open Circulatory System 

What Is Lymph?

Lymph is an extracellular fluid that flows through the lymphatic system. It contains lymph nodes and vessels. The lymph is also colorless and invisible with naked eyes.

The fluid contains white blood cells that help to fight against infections in the body. Other parts of the lymphatic system are the spleen, thymus, adenoids, and tonsils.

Function of Lymph

  1. Contribute to the body’s immune system to fight against infections.
  2. Help in the distribution of nutrients to other parts of the body
  3. Help in the removal of metabolic wastes from the cells
  4. Transport of white blood cells from the lymph nodes into the bones

Main Difference between Blood and Lymph Brainly

  1. Blood is red colored while lymph is colorless
  2. Blood circulates in closed circuits while lymph through tissue spaces
  3. The blood vascular system comprises arteries, veins, and heart whereas the lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes and lymph capillaries
  4. Blood is the core transporting system in the body while lymph is the parallel transporting system
  5. Blood contains red blood cells while lymph lacks RBC
  6. Blood has higher protein content while lymph low protein content
  7. Blood contains more nutrients and wastes while lymph contains fewer nutrients and wastes.

Similarities between Blood and Lymph

  1. Both are extracellular fluids
  2. Both circulate within vessels
  3. Both contribute to immune function in the body
  4. Both are joined together by capillaries

You May Also Like: Difference between Anatomy and Physiology 

In Conclusion

Blood and lymph are extracellular fluids present in the body. These circulatory fluids play a crucial role in the body of any organism.

Some percentage of the fluid boost the immune system and fight against infection the body apart from maintaining homeostasis.

An individual needs to eat healthily and undertake physical exercise. A combination of these factors contributes to healthy living and well-being.

Sources and References

 

Leave a Comment