structure of thymus, spleen and lymph node

Types of Lymphoid Organs

The lymphatic system is composed of three types of lymphoid
organs:
1. Primary lymphoid Organs-thymus,bone marrow
2. Secondary lymphoid Organs-spleen,lymph nodes

1-thymus
 It is a flat,bilobed organ situated above the heart.growth and
maturation of T-lymphocytes takes place in thymus.this organ
large at the time of birth about 70-80g in weight but with
age,the size keep on reducing and become very small by
attaining puberty about 4-5g in weight.
 Each lobe is surrounded by a capsule and is divided into
lobules which are seprated from each other by strands of
connective tissue called trabeculae.
 Each lobule is organized into two compartments:
Outer compartment
Inner compartment
 Outer compartment or cortex is densely packed with T cell
(thymocytes) and inner compartment or medulla is sparsely
populated with thymocytes.
 Both the cortex and medulla of the thymus are travel around
by 3 dimensional stromal cell network composed of epithelial
cells,dendritic cells and macrophages which form the
framework of organ and contribute to the growth and
maturation of thymocytes also thymus consist of nurse cells
have long membrane extensions that surround as many
 thymocytes forming large multicellular complexes.there is
also Hassall corpuscles are a morphologic feature located
within the medullary region of the thymus.
 The main function of thymus is to release thymosin hormone
that will stimulate the maturation of T cells

2-spleen

 The spleen is an organ found in vertebrates.it is located in the

left side of the abdominal cavity under the diaphragm,the
muscular partition between the abdomen and chest.it’s act
like primarily as a blood filter.old RBCs are reformed in the
spleen.also platelets and WBCs are stored in the
spleen.spleen also helps to fight against certain kinds of
bacteria that cause meningitis and pneumonia.
 The spleen size and shape is depend on people but it is ovoid
shaped and reddish brown in colour.in healthy humans spleen
size is approximately 7cm to 15cm in length and weight is
between 100 to 200g.
  The spleen is surrounded by a capsule that extends a number
of projections into inner to form divided structure.
 The spleen have two compartment
Red pulp
White pulp
Which are divided by diffuse marginal zone.red pulp is consists of
sinusoids populated by macrophages and RBCs and
lymphocytes.white pulp surrounds the branches of the splenic
artery forming a (PALS)periarteriolar lymphoid sheath.
The marginal zone located peripheral to the PALS is populated by
lymphocytes and macrophages.
In the marginal zone antigen is trapped by interdigitating dendritic
cells,which carry it to the PALS.
The main function of spleen acts as blood filter,recycled old
RBCs,stored WBCs and platelets
Enlargement of spleen cause splenomegaly.

3-lymph node
 They range in size from 2 to 10 mm, are spherical in shape and
are encapsulated. Lymph node is surrounded by a fibrous
capsule which dips down into the node substance forming
partition or trabeculae. The node is made by reticular and
lymphatic tissues containing mainly lymphocytes and
macrophages.
 Beneath the capsule is the subcapsular sinus, the cortex, a
paracortical region and a medulla.The cortex contains many
follicles and on antigenic stimulation becomes enlarged with
germinal centers.The follicles are comprised mainly of B cells
and follicular dendritic cells.The paracortical (thymus-
dependent) region contains large numbers of T cells
interspersed with interdigitating cells.
 Each lymph node has 4-5 afferent vessels that bring lymph to
the node while only one efferent vessel draining lymph away
from the node.
 It also has a concave surface called the hilum where an artery
enters, a vein and the efferent lymph vessel leave.
 Depending upon the position, the lymph nodes may be
superficial or deep lymph nodes. Groups of lymph nodes are
present in the neck, collarbone, under the arms (armpit), and
groin.
Functions of Lymph Nodes
 The primary role of the lymph node is to filter the lymph and
then produce an immune response against trapped
microbes/antigens.
 Filtering of the lymph helps in removal of particles not
normally found in the serum.
 Lymphocyte develops from the reticular and lymphoid tissue
in the nodes.
 Antibodies and antitoxins are also formed by the cells of
lymph nodes.