Lymphatic tissue

Lymphatic Tissue

The lymphatic system is a complex network of lymphoid organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, tissues, capillaries, and lymph vessels that produce and transport lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. The lymphatic tissue, also known as lymphoid tissue, plays an integral role in the body's immune response.

Structure

Lymphatic tissue is a specialized type of connective tissue that contains large numbers of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that are integral to the body's immune response. Lymphatic tissue can either be primary or secondary, depending on where the lymphocytes mature.

Primary Lymphatic Tissue

Primary lymphatic tissue is where lymphocytes are formed and mature. It includes the bone marrow and the thymus. In the bone marrow, all blood cells, including lymphocytes, are produced. The thymus is where T-lymphocytes mature.

Secondary Lymphatic Tissue

Secondary lymphatic tissue is where lymphocytes are activated. It includes the lymph nodes, tonsils, appendix, Peyer's patches in the small intestine, and the spleen. These structures filter bodily fluids, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by the lymphocytes.

Function

The primary function of lymphatic tissue is to produce, house, and transport lymphocytes and other immune cells. Lymphatic tissue also filters and removes foreign substances, including bacteria, viruses, toxins, and cancer cells, from the lymph and blood.

Clinical Significance

Diseases and disorders of the lymphatic tissue include lymphoma, lymphedema, and autoimmune diseases. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic tissue. Lymphedema is a condition characterized by swelling due to a blockage in the lymphatic system. Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.

See Also

• Lymphatic system
• Lymphocyte
• Immune system
• Lymphoma
• Lymphedema
• Autoimmune diseases