2 minute read
Organs of the Lymphatic System: Spleen, Tonsils, Appendix, Thymus, Bone Marrow
from Home Doctor
by tattooedtech
While lymphatic tissue is spread throughout the body, there are organs that are specific to creating cells that specialize in host immunity. These organs contain tissue with its own cells and lymph cells. The thymus is an organ that is found only in childhood but later atrophies and disappears completely in adults. However, it is part of this system and protects the most vulnerable.
As for the vermiform appendix, until relatively recently, its function was unknown, and it was thought that it was only a remnant that would eventually stop appearing in more phenotypically evolved humans.
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Blausen.com staff, Own work, CC BY 3.0
However, it is now known to play an important role in pathogen uptake and mucus formation that aids in nutrient absorption. Its tissue is very similar to that of the tonsils, which also become inflamed by some viral or bacterial processes that attack the upper respiratory tract.
The spleen and bone marrow are cell-forming organs. The bone marrow forms primitive cells that specialize in one of the chains of the circulatory system (see picture on the next page). This is where red and white blood cells are formed as well as other blood cells.
Adert, CC BY 3.0
Pbroks13, Own work, CC BY 3.0
The bone marrow is the organ where hematological diseases such as leukemia begin. A painful bone puncture is used to diagnose the disease and to perform transplants if necessary. Although all bones contain spinal tissue, some are more accessible and resilient, so they are preferred for performing these procedures. In the figure below, you can see these sites.
www.scientificanimations.com, CC BY-SA 4.0
The spleen is an organ that fulfills an important immune function as a cell maker and protector of the body. It is also a cell builder that has great activity during the fetal period. It works in conjunction with the bone marrow.
When it becomes diseased for any reason and has to be removed, the patient should be vaccinated with Pneumovax 23, the pneumococcal vaccine, and meningococcal because they are at risk for complications of influenza, pneumonia, and meningitis infections.
