Lymphoid tissue
Lymphoid Tissue
Lymphoid tissue (pronunciation: lim-foid tish-oo), also known as lymphatic tissue, is a specialized type of tissue that is involved in the immune response of the body. It is a component of the immune system and plays a crucial role in defending the body against disease and infection.
Etymology
The term "lymphoid" is derived from the Latin word "lympha," which means "water," and the Greek suffix "-oid," which means "resembling." This is because lymphoid tissue is involved in the production and circulation of lymph, a clear fluid that resembles water.
Structure and Function
Lymphoid tissue is primarily composed of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response. These tissues are found throughout the body, particularly in the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and Peyer's patches in the small intestine.
The primary function of lymphoid tissue is to produce and mature lymphocytes. These cells are responsible for recognizing and responding to foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, that enter the body. They do this by producing antibodies, proteins that bind to these foreign substances and neutralize them.
Related Terms
- Lymph: A clear fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system, carrying cells that help fight infection and disease.
- Lymphocyte: A type of white blood cell that is produced and matured in the lymphoid tissue.
- Lymph node: A small, bean-shaped structure that is part of the lymphatic system and contains large numbers of lymphocytes.
- Spleen: An organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen that filters blood and helps fight infection.
- Tonsils and adenoids: Lymphoid tissues located in the throat and nasal passage, respectively, that help protect the body from infection.
- Peyer's patches: Small masses of lymphatic tissue found in the small intestine that monitor intestinal bacteria and prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lymphoid tissue
- Wikipedia's article - Lymphoid tissue
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