Types of Lymphoid Organs
Lymphoid organs can be categorized in two ways:
- Based on their involvement in the development of the immune system and generating immune responses, lymphoid organs can be divided into three types:
- Primary Lymphoid Organs: Bone marrow, Thymus, and Bursa of Fabricius in birds.
- Secondary Lymphoid Organs: Spleen, Lymph nodes, Tonsils, Peyer’s patches of the small intestine, and Mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT)
- Tertiary Lymphoid Organs
- Based on their location, lymphoid organs are of two types:
- Internal Lymphoid Organs – Thymus, Spleen, Bone marrow, and some of the Lymph nodes.
- External Lymphoid Organs – MALT and Lymph nodes associated with them.
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