10 Questions
What is the primary function of central lymphoid organs in the immune system?
Maturation, differentiation, and multiplication of leukocytes
What is the process by which lymphocytes differentiate and mature?
Lymphopoiesis
What is the main function of the lymphatic circulation?
Distribution of immune cells throughout the body
Which organ is responsible for the maturation of T cells?
Thymus
Where do lymphocytes mature and differentiate in the body?
Primary lymphoid organs
What type of cells are primarily produced in the bone marrow?
Leukocytes of myeloid and lymphoid origin
Which cells are responsible for the recognition of structural motifs by pattern recognition molecules?
Phagocytes
What is the primary function of the thymus in the immune system?
Maturation of T cells
What is the primary function of lymph nodes in the immune system?
Filtering of lymph fluid
Where do immune cells circulate throughout the body?
Lymphatic circulation
Study Notes
Lymphoid Organs
- Secondary lymphoid organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, are sites where antigen-driven proliferation and maturation of lymphocytes occur.
- Primary lymphoid organs, such as the liver (in the fetus) and bone marrow (after birth), are responsible for generating lymphoid cells through lymphopoiesis.
Thymus
- The thymus is a pyramid-shaped gland located beneath the breastbone, responsible for educating T lymphocytes to distinguish between self and non-self.
- Immature lymphocytes leave the bone marrow and circulate through the thymus, where they are committed to a specific pathway of activity and are ready to perform their effector functions.
Lymph Nodes
- Lymph nodes are focal nodules connected via the draining lymphatic highway, placed throughout the body, with groupings found in the groin, armpits, and abdomen.
- Lymph nodes are local nodes for antigen and cellular drainage, allowing lymphocytes to interact and communicate with APCs, enabling local presentation of antigenic particulates.
- Germinal centers are areas of response within lymph nodes, where antigen-driven proliferation and differentiation occur.
Spleen
- The spleen is a filtering organ for circulating blood, located in the upper portion of the abdomen, where resting lymphocytes reside to readily mobilize in response to the detection of foreign materials.
- The spleen acts as a holding facility where both innate and resting adaptive cells reside in specialized compartments.
Immune System
- The immune system is a network of protective barriers, organs, cells, and molecules that provide a coordinated response to foreign agents.
- The immune system consists of central lymphoid organs (e.g., bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes) containing high levels of lymphocytes, which mature, differentiate, and multiply.
- Leukocytes of myeloid and lymphoid origin can be found within every major organ and tissue, available to be called into action at short notice.
Learn about the structure and function of lymphoid organs, including primary and secondary organs, and the role of the thymus in the immune system.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
