What is lymph?

• A. A colorless fluid containing white blood cells, that bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream
• B. A colorless fluid containing red blood cells that bathes the tissues and drains into the bloodstream
• C. A colorless fluid containing platelets that circulates in arteries
• D. A thick protein-rich fluid within the stomach

Answer: (A)

Lymph is the fluid of the lymphatic system that bathes tissues and helps immune defense. It is a colorless fluid that travels through lymphatic capillaries and vessels, carrying white blood cells, especially lymphocytes, as it moves. Lymph eventually drains into the bloodstream via the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct, returning interstitial fluid and immune cells to circulation.

This description fits best because it distinguishes lymph from other body fluids: it does not contain red blood cells or platelets, it does not circulate in arteries, and it is not gastric fluid produced in the stomach.