Lymphatic system

In mammals including humans, the lymphatic vessels (or lymphatics) are a network of thin tubes that branch, like blood vessels, into tissues throughout the body. Lymphatic vessels carry lymph, a colorless, watery fluid originating from interstitial fluid (fluid in the tissues). The lymphatic system transports infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes, is involved in the removal of foreign matter and cell debris by phagocytes and is part of the body's immune system. It also transports fats from the small intestine to the blood.

Accessory lymphoid tissue

Accessory lymphoid tissue consists of unorganized patches of lymphoid tissue found diffusely in various sites of the body. They are similar in function to the lymph nodes but are anatomically different and are sometimes termed extra-nodal lymphoid tissue. Tonsils and the vermiform appendix are examples of accessory lymphoid tissue.

Related Topics:
Tonsil - Vermiform appendix

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Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is the diffuse system of small concentrations of lymphoid tissue found in various sites of the body such as the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid, breast, lung, salivary glands, eye, and skin. The components of MALT are sometimes subdivided into GALT (gut or GI-associated lymphoid tissue), BALT (bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue), NALT (nose-associated lymphoid tissue), and SALT (skin-associated lymphoid tissue). A newly recognized entity is vascular-associated lymphoid tissue (VALT) that exists inside arteries; its role in the immune response is unknown.

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Peyer's patches are a component of GALT found in the lining of the small intestines.

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:See also: MALT lymphoma.

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