The Lymphoid System

Chapter 23

The Lymphoid System

Lymphatic vessels
Lymph (fluid connective tissue)
Lymphoid tissues
Lymphoid organs
- plays central role in bodys defenses against viruses,
bacteria, and other microorganisms
- lymphatic vessels originate in peripheral tissues and
deliver lymph to the venous system

Overview of the Lymphoid System

Lymph consists of:
- interstitial fluid, which resembles blood
plasma, but with a lower concentration of
proteins
- lymphocytes, cells responsible for the
immune response
- macrophages of various types

Lymphoid System

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Primary functions of the lymphoid system:

Produce, maintain, and distribute lymphocytes

Maintain normal blood volume and eliminate
local variations in the chemical composition of
the interstitial fluid
Provide an alternative route for the transport of
hormones, nutrients, and waste products

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Structure of Lymphatic Vessels

Lymphatic vessels (lymphatics) carry lymph
from peripheral tissues to the venous system
- contain internal valves that prevent backflow of lymph

Lymphatic capillaries (terminal lymphatics)

form a complex network within peripheral tissues

2 sets of lymphatic vessels:

Superficial lymphatic vessels travel with
superficial veins
- the subcutaneous layer next to the skin
- the loose CTs of the mucous membranes
- the loose CTs of the serous membranes

Deep lymphatic vessels are large - accompany

deep arteries and veins
- collect lymph from skeletal muscles and other organs of
the neck, limbs, and trunk, and visceral organs in the
thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities

Structure of Lymphatic Vessels

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Lymphatic Capillaries

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Lymphatic Vessels and Valves

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Major Lymphatics of the Trunk

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Lymphocytes
Are the primary cells of the lymphoid system
- responsible for specific immunity
- respond to the presence of invading organisms,
abnormal body cells (i.e. virus-infected or cancerous)
- foreign proteins (i.e. toxins released by bacteria)

3 different classes: T cells, B cells, NK cells

T cells (thymus dependent) ~80% of circulating

lymphocytes
Cytotoxic T cells attack foreign or virus-infected
cells
Regulatory T cells - helper and suppressor T
cells
- regulate and coordinate the immune response
- control both the activation and activity of B cells

Memory T cells produced by division of

activated T cells following exposure to an antigen
- become activated if the same antigen appears in the
body

B cells (bone marrow derived) 10 - 15%

Differentiates into a plasmocyte (plasma cell)
after exposure to an antigen
- produce and secrete antibodies

Memory B cells produced by division of

activated B cells following exposure to an antigen
- become activated if the same antigen appears in the
body

Natural Killer (NK) 5 -10%

Attack foreign cells, virus-infected, and cancerous
cells

Distribution of Lymphocytes

Lymphoid Tissues
Are CTs dominated by lymphocytes
Diffuse lymphoid tissue loosely packed
lymphocytes within CT

Lymphoid nodules densely packed

lymphocytes within loose CT
- tonsils
- aggregated lymphoid nodules (Peyers patches)

Lymphoid Tissue Histology

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Tonsils

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Lymphoid Organs
Lymphoid tissues separated from surrounding
tissues by a capsule
- Lymph nodes
- Thymus
- Spleen

Lymph Node

Covered by dense, fibrous CT capsule fibrous extensions

(trabeculae) extend partway into the interior of the node

Head & Neck Lymphatic Drainage

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Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Pelvic Lymphangiogram

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Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Aging and the Lymphoid System

With advancing age becomes less effective at
combating disease
T cells become less responsive to antigens
Number of helper T cells is reduced
B cells are less responsive
Antibody levels do not rise as quickly after
antigen exposure
Net result increased susceptibility to viral and
bacterial infection and cancer