Organs Of Immune System

• By K. Prameela,
• Department of Biotechnology,
• GIT, GITAM University
 Classification of lymphoid organs
• 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
 Thymus

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

• Largest accumulation of lymphoid tissue

• Abundant phagocytic cells—defense 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
 Mucosal Associated Lymphoid
Tissue (MALT)
• Mucous Membranes Surface Area = 400m2
• 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
Tonsils
Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue
(GALT)
• 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
M- Cells in Mucus membrane
Lamina Propria
Peyer’s patch
Cutaneous Associated Lymphoid Tissue
(CALT)