Lymphoreticular System - Anatomy & Physiology

()Map\Tab LYMPHATIC SYSTEM (Map/Tab) IMMUNOLOGY

Introduction

Also referred to as the reticuloendothelial system or mononuclear phagocytic system. It is comprised of primary lymphoid organs which are responsible for the production of lymphocytes and the secondary lymphoid organs which function to provide an environment where lymphocytes can react to antigen from the tissue fluid, blood and mucosal surfaces.

The main functions of the lymphoreticular system are removal of senescent cells and production of immune cells.

Primary lymphoid tissues

• Bone marrow
• Thymus
• Bursa of Fabricius
• Foetal Liver

Secondary lymphoid tissues

• Lymph nodes
• Spleen
• Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT)
  • Appendix/caecal pouch
  • Ileal Peyer's Patches
  • Tonsils

Lymphocytes

B Cells

• B Cell Differentiation and Function

Information on follicular dendritic cells, plasma cells and memory cells

• Response to Antigen

Infromation on the T cell independent and the T cell dependent response

T Cells

• T Cell Differentiation and Function

Information on interdigitating dendritic cells, T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells (CD 8+) and T cell response to activation

• Major Histocompatability Complex (MHC) molecule

Information on the MHC molecule

• How lymphocytes access lymph nodes (HEVs)

• Immunoglobulins

Information on antibodies and immunoglobulin class switching

Lymphatic Circulation

• Lymphatic Vessels