By K.

Prameela,
Department of Biotechnology,
GIT, GITAM University
Organs Of Immune System
Primary Lymphoid Organs
Bone Marrow production and maturation of B- Cells
(In Birds Bursa fabricious B- Cell Maturation)
Thymus (T Cell Maturation Site)
Function: production and maturation of lymphocytes
Secondary Lymphoid Organs
Spleen,
lymph nodes,
MALT (mucosal associated lymphoid tissue)
GALT (gut associated lymphoid tissue)
CALT (Cutaneous Associated lymphoid tissue)
Funtion: Trap antigen, APC, Lymphocyte Proliferation

Classification of lymphoid organs
Bilobed Organ on Top of Heart
Reaches Max. Size During Puberty
70g infants, 3 g in adults
95-99% Of T Cells Die in Thymus
self reactivity or no reactivity to Ag
Consists of Cortex and Medulla
Rat Thymocytes Sensitive to Glucorticoids




Thymus
Thymus
Functions
1. Accessory cells: Cortical and medullary epethelial
cells, stromal cells, interdigitating cells and
macrophages.
- Differentiation of T cell precursors & their
migration to secondary lymphoid organs.
2. Thymus has an interactive role with endocrine
system.
3. Thymic epithelial cells produce hormones
thymosin, thymopoietin,

Bone marrow
Blood cells (yolk sac)

Liver

Spleen

Bone marrow

Plasma From Blood Seeps Into Tissue
Interstitial Fluid Either Goes Back or Becomes
Lymph
Lymph Enters Lymphatic Vessels
Thoracic Duct Is Largest Lymphatic Vessel
Empties Into Left Subclavian Vein
Lymphatic Vessel Depends On Muscle
Contractions For Movement
One Way Valves Ensure One Direction
Lymph Nodes Act As Filters For Antigens

Lymphatic System
Lymphatic System
Lymph Node
Lymph Node
Lymph Node
Lymph Node
Multiple Afferent Lymphatics
Cortex
B-cells, Follicular DCs, M, GCs, Primary Follicles
Paracortex
T
H
, M, DCs
Medulla
Plasma Cells
Post Capillary Venule
Allow Lymphocyte Migration From Circuilation Into Lymph
Node
One Efferent Lymphatic
Rich In Abs and Lymphocytes

Lymph Node
Largest accumulation of lymphoid tissue
Abundant phagocytic cellsdefense against
antigens in blood
Site of destruction of aged erythrocytes.
Production site of activated lymphocytes
which are delivered to the blood.
THUS, an important blood filter and
antibody-forming organ.

Spleen


Spleen

Mucous Membranes Surface Area = 400m
2
Mucous Membr. Most Common Pathogen Entry
Site (GIT, Respiratory tract, Urino genital tract
etc.)
Mucous Membrane is Protected by MALT
Tonsils 3 types (Lingual, palatine and
pharyngeal )
If tonsils infected it gets tonsillitis
Mucosal Associated Lymphoid
Tissue (MALT)

Tonsils

Appendix in small intestine protect from
food borne pathogens. If pathogens are
excess leads to appendicitis
Lamina Propia (below epithelium)
protect from food borne pathogens
M Cell Allows Ag Entry, Unique
Architecture

Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue
(GALT)
M- Cells in Mucus membrane

Lamina Propria

Peyers patch

Cutaneous Associated Lymphoid Tissue
(CALT)