Organs of the lymphatic system include lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils. They are made up of lymphoid tissue, a reticular tissue containing lymphocytes. The reticular tissue acts like a filter; lymphocytes recognize and remove foreign materials. Lymphatic tissues are common in the mucosal tissues of the body, where they are called MALT (mucosa-associated lymphatic tissues). Lymph nodes are distinct lymphoid tissues surrounded by a capsule and are located along lymphatic vessels. They purify the extracellular fluids by removing pathogens.
The spleen removes old red blood cells and bacteria in the blood. Tonsils are masses of lymphatic tissue in the pharynx and oral cavity. The pharyngeal tonsils at the rear of the nasal cavity are often called adenoids, while the word “tonsils” is used for the palatine tonsils at the rear of the oral cavity.
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