Plasma and lymph are both important components of the circulatory system, but they have some key differences.
- Composition: Plasma is a liquid component of blood that makes up around 55% of the total blood volume. It contains water, proteins, glucose, hormones, gases, and electrolytes. Lymph, on the other hand, is a colorless fluid that is derived from blood plasma and contains mainly lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and fats.
- Function: Plasma plays a critical role in maintaining the osmotic pressure of blood, regulating the pH of the body, and transporting nutrients, waste products, and hormones throughout the body. Lymph, on the other hand, plays a role in the immune system by transporting lymphocytes and other immune cells throughout the body to fight infections and diseases.
- Movement: Plasma moves continuously throughout the circulatory system, flowing from the heart to the capillaries and back to the heart. Lymph, on the other hand, moves in only one direction, from the interstitial spaces of tissues to the lymphatic vessels and back to the bloodstream via the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct.
- Appearance: Plasma is a yellowish, transparent liquid that becomes cloudy when blood clots. Lymph is a clear, colorless liquid that can become milky in appearance after a high-fat meal.
In summary, plasma is a component of blood that circulates throughout the body, while lymph is a fluid derived from blood plasma that plays a role in the immune system by transporting immune cells and fighting infections.
