lümfiorganid

Lümfiorganid, also known as lymphoid organs, are a vital part of the immune system. They are responsible for the development, maturation, and storage of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections. These organs can be broadly categorized into primary and secondary lymphoid organs.

Primary lymphoid organs are where lymphocytes are generated and mature. The main primary lymphoid organs in mammals are the bone marrow and the thymus. Bone marrow is where all blood cells, including lymphocytes, originate. It is also the site where B lymphocytes mature. The thymus, located in the chest behind the sternum, is where T lymphocytes mature and become immunocompetent, meaning they learn to distinguish between self and foreign cells.

Secondary lymphoid organs are where mature lymphocytes encounter antigens and become activated, initiating an adaptive immune response. These organs include the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and Peyer's patches in the small intestine. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures located throughout the body, filtering lymph fluid and trapping foreign particles and pathogens. The spleen, the largest lymphoid organ, filters blood and houses lymphocytes and macrophages. Tonsils are collections of lymphoid tissue in the throat that trap inhaled or ingested pathogens. Peyer's patches are similar lymphoid tissues found in the intestinal wall, monitoring for gut-specific pathogens. Together, these organs form a distributed network that protects the body from disease.