Lymphatic organs and tissues

Lymphatic tissue is characterized by an abundance of lymphocytes.

It is involved with lymphocyte production and immune responses.
Its major function is to defend the body from disease and the spread of infection.
Traces of foreign proteins (such as from invading microorganisms or cells) can
elicit an immune response
Lymphatic organs are of two types:
Primary lymphatic organs
These are the locations at which stem cells divide and mature into B Cells and T Cells,
where the lymphocytes acquire their commitment for cell-mediated or humoral
immune responses.
o Bone marrow (primary site of B-lymphocytes maturation)
o Thymus (primary site of T-lymphocytes maturation)

Secondary lymphatic organs
The locations at which most immune responses occur
o Spleen
o Lymph nodes (B cells mature into plasma cells, which secrete antibodies, T
cells, and macrophages)
o Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)



The bone marrow


Early fetal development Blood cells form in the mesenchyme of the yolk sac,
as development of fetus progresses, the liver and spleen take over (only for
last months of fetal development). Then Bone marrow becomes dominant site
of hematopoiesis
The production of blood cells in bone marrow begins roughly 4-5 months after
conception.
Composed of hematopoietic cells of various lineages and maturity packed
between fat cells, thin bands of bony tissues (trabeculae), collagen fibers,
fibroblasts and dendritic cells.

The stroma consists of endothelial cells, fat cells, osteoblasts and fibrocytes.
Here, among others, mature the B lymphocytes.
Generate all of the lymphocytes from immature hematopoietic progenitor cells.
(the lymphoid cells that migrate to thymus for T cell maturation and majority of
conventional B cells).
Give rise to all lymphoid cells migrate to thymus for T cell maturation and for
conventional B cells mature in bone marrow itself
Undergo selection for nonself before entering to the peripheral lymphoid
tissues
Performs a valve-like function to prevent the backflow of lymphatic fluid in the
lympatic system.



The Thymus
It is a two-lobed organ located in the chest cavity right above and in front of the
heart.
Each lobe is encapsulated by a layer of connective tissue and consisted of cortex
and medulla
Thymus reaches its maximum Size During Puberty (70g infants, 3 g in adults)
Consists of cortex and medulla - accessory cells important in differentiation of
the immigrating T cell precursors and their education prior to their migration to
secondary lymphoid tissues.
Thymic epithelial cells produce hormones, thymosin and thymopoietin
In concert with cytokines important for development and maturation of
thymocytes into mature T cells.

The tissue of the thymus itself consists of T cells, macrophages and epithelial
cells.

The Spleen
This is the largest single organ of lymphatic system, situated on the left side of the
body below the diaphragm.
The outer covering of the spleen is formed by dense connective tissue and consist
of a spongy interior.
The spleen itself consists of two types of tissue, called white pulp and red pulp;
white pulp forms islands with in the meshwork of red pulp.
White Pulp: lymphatic tissue that consists mostly of lymphoctes and
macrophages.
Red Pulp: Blood-filled sinuses and cords of splenic tissues that consists of
lymphocytes, macrophages, erythrocytes, granulocytes, and plasma cells.
The main function of spleen is to filer blood for trapping blood borne microbes
and produce immune response against them

Lymph Nodes
These are small bean-shaped organs (2-10 mm) present along the course of
lymphatic vessels. (multiple lymph vessels may connect to a lymph node)
Each node is covered by a capsule of dense connective tissue.
Beneath the capsule, is found subcapsular sinus, the cortex, a paracortical region
and a medulla
consisting of B cells that develop into plasma cells - which secrete antibodies, T
cells, and macrophages.
Main role is to filter lymph and produce immune response against pathogens


Mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue (MALT)
Also known as lymphatic Nodules differ from Lymph Nodes in that lymphatic
nodules are not surrounded by capsules (of dense connective tissue).