List the functions of the lymph.

Following are the functions of lymph:

1. Transportation — The lymph helps in transporting nutrients and hormones to the body cells. It also removes waste materials from the body cells to the tissues and finally pours them into veins. Lymph carries lymphocytes and antibodies from the lymph nodes to the blood. The lymph also absorbs and transports fats (fatty acids and glycerol) from the small intestine to the blood.
2. Defence — Lymph carries lymphocytes and antibodies, which destroy the harmful microorganisms and foreign particles in the lymph nodes. Lymph takes the bacteria entering the body to the lymph nodes for destroying them. This prevents the infection from spreading to other tissues.
3. Drainage — The lymph drains excess tissue fluid from the intercellular spaces back into the blood.