Читать книгу Immunology - Richard Coico - Страница 34

The immune system includes a wide variety of cells that function independently and in concert with one another. Chapter 1 introduced the major immune cells derived from lymphoid or myeloid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. In this chapter, we will further define the functional and phenotypic characteristics of these cells. In addition, the major lymphoid organs will be described which include the bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen. Given the coordination required for optimal immune responses to fully manifest, the anatomy of the immune system, including the strategic location of its major organs, is designed to maximize the ability of immune cells to efficiently detect and respond to antigens and to then disperse effector mechanisms throughout the body. A major route of immune cell and antigen transport is the lymphatic system.