What are Lymphoid Organs?
Definition of Lymphoid Organs: Lymphoid organs can be defined as the specialized tissues or organs in which a type of white blood cells i.e. lymphocytes are developed, matured, and carried out for various immune functions.
In vertebrates, lymphoid organs are specialized types of organs that are part of the lymphatic system or lymphoid system. Lymphoid organs include bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and other organs involved in the immune system. Lymphoid organs are not only the place where maturation and proliferation of lymphocytes, the main components of the immune system occur. But they also perform many immune functions to protect the body from pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and parasites) and eliminate diseased cells (e.g., virus-infected or tumor cells).
What Are Lymphoid Organs?
Lymphoid organs are part of the lymphatic system that performs many immunological functions. The lymphatic system is comprised of organs, vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph. Lymphoid organs are mainly of two types-primary and secondary lymphoid organs. The primary lymphoid organs or the central lymphoid organs such as bone marrow and thymus are the site of the maturation of lymphocytes. In contrast, the secondary lymphoid organs, also known as peripheral lymphoid organs like spleen, lymph node, etc. are associated with the initiation of adaptive immune response. In this article, we will explore lymphoid organs, types, and differences between primary and secondary lymphoid organs.
Table of Content
- What are Lymphoid Organs?
- Types of Lymphoid Organs
- Primary Lymphoid Organs and their Functions
- Secondary Lymphoid Organs and their Functions
- Tertiary Lymphoid Organs and their Functions
- Internal and External Lymphoid Organs
- Differences Between Primary and Secondary Lymphoid Organs
- What is the Function of the Lymphoid Organs?
- Diseases Associated with Lymphoid Organs