What is the fluid that circulates in the lymphatic vessels and is formed in body tissues?

Lymph is the correct answer because it is the specific fluid that circulates within the lymphatic system, which consists of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. This fluid originates from interstitial fluid, which is the fluid that exists in the spaces between cells in body tissues. As interstitial fluid is collected into lymphatic capillaries, it becomes lymph. The primary role of lymph is to transport excess interstitial fluid back to the bloodstream, along with waste products, pathogens, and immune cells, playing a crucial part in the body’s immune response and fluid balance.

Plasma, while it is a component of blood that carries nutrients, hormones, and proteins, is part of the circulatory system and not specifically associated with the lymphatic system. Blood is a more general term used to describe the fluid that circulates in the cardiovascular system, consisting of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Interstitial fluid is the fluid found between cells, which can contribute to lymph formation but does not circulate in lymphatic vessels itself. Therefore, understanding the distinct roles and pathways of these different fluids clarifies why lymph is the appropriate choice in this context.