FUNCTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS OF SECONDARY
LYMPHOID TISSUES AND ORGANS
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1. Diffuse lymphoid tissue
2. Solitary lymph nodules
3. Aggregate nodules
4. Tonsils
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a). Have only efferent lymphatics
vessels;
b). Act protectively against microbial infections;
c). Thought to function in the production of IgA and IgE and are
also referred to as mucosal associated lymphoid tissue
or MALT
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5. Lymph nodes:
- Interposed between afferent
and efferent lymphatics as a filter
of the lymph to remove dying cells and cell debris;
- Take part in humoral and cell-mediated
immune responses against infections via their lymphocytes and
accessory cells that present antigens.
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6. Spleen:
- Filters blood via macrophage
system in the red pulp (removes particulate matter, excess lipids,
abnormal, aged or damaged blood cells)
- Functions in the degradation of hemoglobin
via macrophages; the iron of hemoglobin is converted into ferritin
or hemosiderin, which is utilized in the synthesis of new hemoglobin
by developing erythrocytes.
- Plays an important role in the immune
response to bacteria, viruses and foreign macromolecules
which have invaded the circulation via its lymphocytes and accessory
cell.
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