What is the clear, alkaline fluid found within lymphatic vessels called?

Lymph is the clear, alkaline fluid found within lymphatic vessels. It plays a crucial role in the body's immune system and is involved in the transport of excess interstitial fluid, waste products, and immune cells back into the circulatory system. Lymph is derived from interstitial fluid that has passed through the tissues and enters the lymphatic vessels, where it becomes lymph.

This fluid is unique because it contains a higher concentration of lymphocytes compared to blood, which helps maintain immune function. Lymph not only aids in fluid balance but also facilitates the absorption of dietary fats from the digestive system through specialized lymphatic vessels called lacteals. Understanding the function and composition of lymph is essential in recognizing its importance in both the lymphatic and the immune systems.