Nyirokszövet

Nyirokszövet, also known as lymphoid tissue, is a specialized connective tissue that forms a crucial part of the immune system. It is characterized by the presence of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, and other immune cells within a framework of reticular fibers. This tissue is found in various locations throughout the body, playing a vital role in detecting and responding to pathogens and foreign substances.

Major aggregations of nyirokszövet form lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped organs strategically located along lymphatic vessels. These nodes act as filters, trapping antigens and initiating an immune response. Other significant structures composed of nyirokszövet include the tonsils, located in the pharynx, and Peyer's patches, found in the lining of the small intestine. The spleen, the largest lymphoid organ, also contains a large amount of this specialized tissue.

The primary function of nyirokszövet is to house and mature lymphocytes, particularly B cells and T cells, and to facilitate their interaction with antigens. When a pathogen enters the body, it can be transported to the lymph nodes, where it encounters lymphocytes. This encounter triggers an immune response, leading to the proliferation of lymphocytes and the production of antibodies or cytotoxic T cells, which then combat the infection. Nyirokszövet is essential for maintaining immune surveillance and protecting the body from disease.