Why is lymph white

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It keeps body fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections.

Lymphatic lim-FAT-ik vessels, tissues, organs, and glands work together to drain a watery fluid called lymph from throughout the body. One of the lymphatic system's major jobs is to drain extra lymph LIMF fluid from body tissues and return it to the blood. Lymph contains white blood cells called lymphocytes LIM-fuh-sites and chyle KYE-ul , which is made of fats and proteins from the intestines.

This is important because water, proteins, and other substances are always leaking out of tiny blood capillaries into the body tissues around them.

If the lymphatic system didn't drain it, this extra fluid would build up in the tissues and make them swell. The lymphatic system has some important jobs, like helping the body fight infection. See how it works in this quick animation. Lymph nodes are small clumps of tissue along the network of lymph vessels that clean lymph as it moves through them.

The lymphatic lim-FAT-ik system works to keep body fluid levels in balance and to defend the body against infections. It is made up of a network of lymphatic vessels that carry lymph — a clear, watery fluid that contains proteins, salts, and other substances — throughout the body. The spleen acts as a filter. It weeds out old and damaged cells and helps control the amount of blood and blood cells that circulate in the body.

The spleen also helps get rid of germs. It contains white blood cells called lymphocytes and macrophages. These cells work to attack and destroy germs and remove them from the blood that passes through the spleen. One of the lymphatic system's major jobs is to collect extra lymph fluid from body tissues and return it to the blood. This is important because water, proteins, and other substances are always leaking out of tiny blood capillaries into the surrounding body tissues.

If the lymphatic system didn't drain the excess fluid, the lymph fluid would build up in the body's tissues, making them swell. The lymphatic system is a network of very small tubes or vessels that drain lymph fluid from all over the body. The thymus is located in the chest just above the heart, according to Merck Manual.

This small organ stores immature lymphocytes specialized white blood cells and prepares them to become active T cells, which help destroy infected or cancerous cells. Tonsils are large clusters of lymphatic cells found in the pharynx. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology , they are the body's "first line of defense as part of the immune system.

They sample bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth or nose. Lymph is a clear and colorless fluid; the word "lymph" comes from the Latin word lympha , which means "connected to water," according to the National Lymphadema Network.

Plasma leaves the body's cells once it has delivered its nutrients and removed debris. Most of this fluid returns to the venous circulation through tiny blood vessels called venules and continues as venous blood.

The remainder becomes lymph, according to the Mayo Clinic. Unlike blood, which flows throughout the body in a continue loop, lymph flows in only one direction — upward toward the neck. Lymphatic vessels connect to two subclavian veins, which are located on either sides of the neck near the collarbones, and the fluid re-enters the circulatory system, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Diseases and disorders of the lymphatic system are typically treated by immunologists. Vascular surgeons, dermatologists, oncologists and physiatrists also get involved in treatment of various lymphatic ailments. There are also lymphedema therapists who specialize in the manual drainage of the lymphatic system.

The most common diseases of the lymphatic system are enlargement of the lymph nodes also known as lymphadenopathy , swelling due to lymph node blockage also known as lymphedema and cancers involving the lymphatic system, according to Dr. James Hamrick, chief of medical oncology and hematology at Kaiser Permanente in Atlanta. When bacteria are recognized in the lymph fluid, the lymph nodes make more infection-fighting white blood cells, which can cause swelling. The swollen nodes can sometimes be felt in the neck, underarms and groin, according to the NLM.

Lymphadenopathy is usually caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer. Infections that cause lymphadenopathy include bacterial infections such as strep throat, locally infected skin wounds, or viral infections such as mononucleosis or HIV infection, Hamrick stated. In some areas of the body the enlarged lymph nodes are palpable, while others are to deep to feel and can be seen on CT scan or MRI. Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions occur when a person's immune system is active, and can result in enlargement of lymph nodes.

This can happen in lupus, according to Hamrick. This refers to cancer of the lymph nodes. It occurs when lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably.

There are a number of different types of lymphoma, according to Dr. Jeffrey P.