CHAPTER 10 - LYMPHOID SYSTEM  Trabecular Sinuses - spaces alongside Lymph Node 2

trabeculae in which lymph flows from

The main function of the lymphoid system is to protect the the subcapsular sinus into the cortex.
body from pathogens (e.g., bacteria, virus, and parasites)  Cortex - outer region of the node adjacent to the
and diseased cells (e.g., virus-infected or tumor cells). capsule.
 Nodules - spherical clusters of B
The immune system is organized into organs and lymphocytes.
tissues that are functionally unified via blood and lymph  Medulla - inner part of the node.
vascular systems.  Medullary Cords - irregular cords that
contain plasma cells, B lymphocytes,
 Primary lymphoid organs (or central lymphoid and macrophages.
organs) - sites where lymphocytes mature and  Medullary Sinuses - spaces
become immunocompetent - B cells in bone surrounding medullary cords in which
marrow and T cells in the thymus. lymph from the cortex accumulates
 Secondary lymphoid organs (or peripheral Lymph Node 3
before exiting the node.
lymphoid tissue) - mature lymphocytes are  Hilum - region where medullary sinuses drain into
distributed via blood or lymph to secondary efferent lymphatic vessels and leave the node. It is
lymphoid organs (e.g., lymph nodes, spleen, and also the entrance and exit for blood vessels and
diffuse lymphoid tissues) where they await nerves.
activation
Macrophages are large cells with eccentric nuclei and
MUCOSA-ASSOCIATED LYMPHOID TISSUE (MALT) is "foamy" cytoplasm due to numerous vacuoles. Examples are
peripheral lymphoid tissue that responds to antigens that often seen individually or in clusters within nodules.
enter the body through mucosae. This includes tonsils,
lymphoid aggregates (nodules), and dispersed immune cells Whole Slide
distributed in the connective tissue underlying the mucosae
of the digestive and respiratory systems.

Lymph Node 4
Lymph Node

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped, encapsulated

organs located throughout the body along lymphatic vessels.
They serve as filters of lymph to remove pathogens or other
foreign substances.
MH 024-026 Mesentery H&E

Lymph nodes are small organs interposed along lymphatic Lymph Node 1
vessels that immunologically monitor lymph.

This specimen of mesentery contains many lymph nodes

(#1, #2, #3, and #4).

 Capsule - dense connective tissue that surrounds

the node
 Subcapsular Sinus - space underneath
the capsule that receives lymph
from afferent lymphatic vessels that
penetrate the capsule (lymphocytes are
seen within this sinus)
 Trabeculae - connective tissue that
extends inward from the capsule.
Capsule Trabeculae Nodules

Trabecular Sinuses Medulla

Subcapsular Sinus

Cortex Hilum
Afferent Lymphatic Vessel
Macrophage Macrophages are large cells with eccentric nuclei and Lymph Node 3
"foamy" cytoplasm due to numerous vacuoles. Examples are
often seen within nodules (#1, #2, and #3).

Whole Slide

MH 024-026 Mesentery Azan Capsule

Lymph nodes (#1, #2, and #3) stained with azan to Lymph Node 1
distinguish the stroma (or connective tissue components)
from the parenchyma. Collagen fibers are restricted to the
capsule and connective tissue associated with blood
vessels.

Compare this slide with the previous one stained with H&E.

 Capsule - dense connective tissue (blue)

enclosing the node.
 Subcapsular Sinus - space underneath
the capsule that receives lymph from
afferent lymphatic vessels that penetrate
the capsule.
 Trabeculae - dense connective tissue
Subcapsular Sinus
(blue) which extends inward from the
capsule.
 Trabecular Sinuses - spaces alongside Lymph Node 2
trabeculae in which lymph flows from
the subcapsular sinus into the cortex.
 Cortex - outer region of the node adjacent to the
capsule. It contains B lymphocytes organized into
nodules.
 Medulla - inner part of the node. The cells are
arranged in medullary cords surrounded by
medullary sinuses.
 Hilum - region where medullary sinuses drain into
efferent lymphatic vessels and leave the node. It is
also the entrance and exit for blood vessels and
nerves.
Trabeculae Medulla Macrophage 2

Trabecular Sinus Macrophage 3

Hilum

Cortex MH 076-077-078 Lymph Node H&E

Macrophage 1
Lymph nodes are small organs interposed along lymphatic
vessels that immunologically monitor lymph.

 Capsule - dense connective tissue enclosing the

node.
 Subcapsular Sinus - space underneath
the capsule that receives lymph from
afferent lymphatic vessels.
 Trabeculae - connective tissue that
extends inward from the capsule.
 Trabecular Sinuses - spaces alongside
trabeculae in which lymph flows from
the subcapsular sinus into the cortex.
 Cortex - outer region of the node.
 Outer Cortex - region adjacent to the capsule.
  Nodules - spherical clusters of B
lymphocytes. The lighter center is
the germinal center where B Subcapsular Sinus Cortex
lymphocytes differentiate into plasma
cells.
 Inner Cortex (paracortex) – region between the
outer cortex and the medulla that is free of
nodules.
 Thymus-dependent Cortex - this
region contains most of the T
lymphocytes in a node.
 High Endothelial Venules
(HEV; longitudinal and cross-section)
- venules with unusually tall endothelial
cells through which lymphocytes in the
blood enter the node.
 Medulla - inner part of the node.
 Medullary Cords - contain antibody
secreting plasma cells, macrophages, Trabeculae Outer Cortex
and B lymphocytes.
 Medullary Sinuses - intervening
spaces in which lymph flows before
exiting the node via efferent lymphatic
vessels.

Capsule

Trabecular Sinus Nodule

Nodule- Germinal Center HEV (Cross-section) Plasma cells

Paracortex Medulla MH 076-077-078 Lymph Node AZAN

Lymph node stained with azan to distinguish the stroma (or

connective tissue components) from the parenchyma.
Collagen fibers (blue) are restricted to the capsule,
trabeculae and blood vessels.

 Capsule - dense connective tissue enclosing the

node.
 Subcapsular Sinus - space underneath
the capsule that receives lymph from
afferent lymphatic vessels.
 Trabeculae - connective tissue that
extends inward from the capsule.
 Trabecular Sinuses - spaces alongside
trabeculae in which lymph flows from
the subcapsular sinus into the cortex.
HEV (longitudinal) Medullary cords  Cortex - outer region of the node.
 Lymphatic Nodule - spherical clusters of
B lymphocytes in the outer cortex.
 High Endothelial Venules
(HEV; #1 and #2) - venules with
unusually tall endothelial cells through
which lymphocytes in the blood enter
the node. HEVs are found in the inner
cortex.
 Medulla - inner part of the node. The cells are
arranged in medullary cords surrounded by
medullary sinuses.
Whole Slide Trabeculae Lymphatic Nodule

Trabecular Sinus HEV 1

Capsule

Cortex HEV 2

Subcapsular sinus
Medulla Whole Slide Cortex

MH 076-077-078 Lymph Node SILVER

Capsule Nodule
Lymph nodes is one of the tissues that has a framework
(or stroma) of reticular fibers.

Reticular fibers are composed of thin and delicately woven

strands of type III collagen. They are not visible with
hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) or azan, but are specifically
stained by silver. This renders them black and makes them
easily distinguishable from type I collagen fibers that are
stained red/brown.

 Capsule - contains a mixture of collagen fibers

(red) and reticular fibers (black).
 Trabeculae - contain a mixture of
collagen fibers (red) and reticular fibers
(black).
 Cortex - reticular fibers form an irregular,
anastomosing network in the outer region of the Trabeculae Medulla
node. Nodules are enclosed by reticular fibers.
 High Endothelial Venules
(HEV; longitudinal and cross-section) - venules
with unusually tall endothelial cells through which
lymphocytes in the blood enter the node.
 Medulla - reticular fibers form networks to support
the medullary cords throughout the inner part of
node.
HEV (longitudinal)  Secondary Nodules - spherical Capsule
accumulations of B cells with a germinal
center where B cells differentiate into
plasma cells.
 Inner Cortex (paracortex) - region between the
outer cortex and the medulla that is free of
nodules.
 Thymus-dependent Cortex - this region
contains most of the T cells in a node.
 High Endothelial Venules (HEV; #1, #2,
and #3) - venules with unusually tall
endothelial cells through which
lymphocytes in the blood enter the
node.
 Medulla - inner part of the node. The cells are
arranged in cords surrounded by sinuses.
Subcapsular Sinus
HEV (cross section) The macrophages in this specimen contain large amounts
of brown lipofuscin pigment. This helps in their identification
in the subcapsular sinus and the medulla.

Whole Slide

Cortex

MHS 231 Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small organs interposed along lymphatic

vessels. Node

 Capsule - dense connective tissue enclosing the

node.
 Subcapsular Sinus - space underneath
the capsule that receives lymph from
afferent lymphatic vessels.
 Cortex - outer region of the node.
 Outer Cortex - region adjacent to the capsule.
 Primary Nodules - spherical
accumulations of B cells (without a
germinal center).
Outer Cortex Germinal center HEV 2

Primary Nodule Inner Cortex HEV 3

Secondary Nodule HEV 1 Medulla

Macrophage TONSILS Stratified Squamous Non-Keratinized Epithelium

Tonsils are mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)

found in the underlying connective tissue surrounding the
upper part of the pharynx. These diffuse, non-encapsulated
nodules are named according to their location.
MH 081a Palatine Tonsil

Tonsils are an example of mucosa-associated lymphoid

tissue (MALT). The lymphocytes are distributed as diffuse,
non-encapsulated nodules in the underlying connective
tissue.

 Stratified Squamous Non-Keratinized

Epithelium - covers the numerous nodules that
compromise the palatine tonsil.
 Lymph Nodules - spherical aggregations of Nodule
Macrophage (Medulla)
lymphocytes that usually have germinal centers.
 Crypts - infoldings of the epithelium into the
underlying connective tissue.
 Lymphocytes pass through the epithelium in
areas of inflammation.
 Lymphocytes are seen in the lumen of some
crypts.
 Sequestered crypts are usually inflamed and
filled with debris and lymphocytes (pus).
 Plasma Cells - large numbers of plasma cells are
usually seen in the underlying connective tissue
near the epithelium.

Whole Slide

Germinal center

Macrophage (Subcapsular Sinus)

Crypt Sequestered Crypt Whole Slide

Lymphocyte Transcytosis Plasma cells Stratified squamous epithelium

Lymphocyte Migration into Crypts MHS 276 Tonsil Crypts

Tonsils are an example of mucosa-associated lymphoid

tissue (MALT). This cross-section is from a non-inflamed
palatine tonsil with the oral surface across the top.

Crypts - infoldings of the epithelium into the underlying

connective tissue. (Note that the openings of these crypts
are not visible in this section.)
Debris SPLEEN  Splenic Cords (of Billroth) - loose
connective tissue that contains
The spleen is the largest secondary lymphoid organ in the macrophages, plasma cells, and
body. It contains two morphologically and functionally distinct lymphocytes.
compartments:
 Pulp Arterioles (#1 and #2) - they are
not surrounded by lymphocytes like
 Red pulp - filters the blood of central arterioles in white pulp.
foreign material and old or  Sheathed Arterioles (#1 and #2) -
damaged red blood cells regions of pulp arterioles surrounded by
 White pulp - site of immune macrophages.
reactions to blood-borne antigens
Whole Slide
The spleen is also a storage site of red blood cells, platelets,
and iron.
MH-084 MHS-212 MHS-293 Spleen

Lymphocyte (crypts)
The spleen is an encapsulated organ that filters blood and
immunologically monitors blood.

 Capsule - dense connective tissue enclosing the

organ.
 Trabeculae - connective tissue that
extends inward from the capsule
through which blood vessels enter the
pulp.
 White Pulp - composed of lymphatic tissue. It
appears basophilic due to the large number of
nuclei. Capsule
 Splenic Nodules (#1, #2 and #3) -
clusters of B lymphocytes located on
central arterioles. They usually contain
a germinal center of activated B
Lymph Nodules lymphocytes.
 Central Arterioles (#1 and #2) -
branches of trabecular arteries coated
by PALS and adjacent to nodules.
 PALS (Periarteriolar Lymphatic
Sheath; #1 and #2) - cylindrical mass of
mature T lymphocytes that surrounds
central arterioles.
 Marginal Zone - region between white and red
pulp where macrophages, dendritic cells, and
lymphocytes interact.
 Red Pulp - filters and degrades red blood cells
(RBCs). It appears eosinophilic due to the large
number of RBCs.
 Splenic Sinusoids - vascular spaces
lined by specialized endothelial
cells that filter RBCs.
Trabeculae Nodule 1 Germinal Center

Trabeculae- Blood vessels Nodule 2 Centeriole 1

White pulp Nodule 3 Centeriole 2

PALS 1 Red pulp MH-084 MHS-212 MHS-293 Spleen AZAN

Spleen stained with azan to distinguish the stroma (or

connective tissue components) from the parenchyma.
Collagen fibers (blue) are restricted to the capsule,
trabeculae and blood vessels.

 Capsule - dense connective tissue enclosing the

organ
 Trabeculae - connective tissue that
extends inward from the capsule
through which blood vessels enter the
pulp
 White Pulp - composed of lymphatic tissue
 Splenic Nodules (#1 and #2) - clusters
of B lymphocytes located on central
arterioles
PALS 2 Splenic sinusoids  Central Arterioles (#1 and #2) -
branches of trabecular arteries coated
by PALS and adjacent to nodules
 Red Pulp - filters and degrades red blood cells
(RBCs)
 Splenic Sinusoids - vascular spaces
lined by specialized endothelial cells
that filter RBCs
 Splenic Cords (of Billroth) - loose
connective tissue that contains
macrophages, plasma cells, and
lymphocytes
 Pulp Arterioles (#1 and #2) - they are
not surrounded by lymphocytes like
central arterioles in white pulp

Whole Slide

Marginal Zone Splenic sinusoids (40x)

Trabeculae Nodule 1 Central Arteriole 1

Trabecular- Blood vessels Nodule 2 Central Arteriole 2

White Pulp Nodule 3 Red pulp

Splenic Sinusoids Pulp Arteriole 2 Whole Slide

Splenic Cords MH-084 MHS-212 MHS-293 Spleen SILVER White Pulp

The spleen is one of the organs that has a framework (or

stroma) of reticular fibers.

Reticular fibers are composed of thin and delicately woven

strands of type III collagen. They do not stain with
hematoxylin & eosin (H&E), but are specifically stained by
silver. This renders them black and makes them easily
distinguishable from type I collagen fibers that are stained
red/brown.

 White Pulp - composed of lymphatic tissue

 Splenic Nodules - loosely surround by
reticular fibers
 Central Arterioles - adjacent to nodules
and surrounded by a layer of reticular
fibers
Pulp Arteriole 1 Splenic Nodule
 Red Pulp - filters and degrades red blood cells
(RBCs)
 Splenic Cords (of Billroth) - loose
connective tissue supported by a
meshwork of reticular fibers
 Splenic Sinusoids - vascular spaces
between splenic cords are not
surrounded by a layer of reticular fibers
(unlike blood vessels)
 Pulp Arterioles (#1 and #2) - surrounded
by a layer of reticular fibers

The reticular fibers form attachment sites for lymphocytes

and other immune cells.
Central Arteriole Splenic Sinusoid MH 085 Spleen

The spleen is an encapsulated organ that filters blood and

immunologically monitors blood.

 Capsule - dense connective tissue enclosing the

organ.
 Trabeculae - connective tissue that
extends inward from the capsule
through which blood vessels enter the
pulp.
 White Pulp - composed of lymphatic tissue. It
appears basophilic due to the large number of
nuclei.
 Splenic Nodules (#1, #2 and #3) -
clusters of B lymphocytes located on
central arterioles. They usually contain
Red Pulp Pulp Arteriole 1 a germinal center of activated B
lymphocytes.
 Central Arterioles (#1 and #2) -
branches of trabecular arteries coated
by PALS and adjacent to nodules.
 PALS (Periarteriolar Lymphatic
Sheath; cross-section and longitudinal)
- cylindrical mass of mature T
lymphocytes that surrounds central
arterioles.
 Marginal Zone - region between white and red
pulp where macrophages, dendritic cells, and
lymphocytes interact.
 Red Pulp - filters and degrades red blood cells
(RBCs). It appears eosinophilic due to the large
number of RBCs.
 Splenic Sinusoids - vascular spaces
lined by specialized endothelial
Pulp Arteriole 2
cells that filter RBCs. These are better
Splenic Cord seen in MHS 212 Spleen.
 Splenic Cords (of Billroth) - loose
connective tissue that contains
macrophages, plasma cells, and
lymphocytes.
 Pulp Arterioles (#1 and #2) - they are
not surrounded by lymphocytes like
central arterioles in white pulp.
Whole Slide Trabeculae- Blood vessels Nodule 2

Capsule White Pulp Nodule 3

Trabeculae Nodule 1 Germinal Center

Nodules Central Arterioles 2 Marginal Zone

Nodules PALS (cross-section) THYMUS

The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ in which T

lymphocytes proliferate and mature before distribution to
peripheral lymphoid tissues. It generates a diverse
population of T lymphocytes that respond to foreign
antigens, but not to self-antigens.

The thymus continues to enlarge up to puberty but then

undergoes a slow involution becoming replaced by adipose
tissue.
MH 079 Thymus

Neonatal Thymus

Thymus is an encapsulated organ where T-cells proliferate

and mature behind the blood-thymus barrier.
Central Arterioles 1 PALS (longitudinal)
The neonatal thymus is well-developed and fully
functional.

 Capsule - thin connective tissue layer surrounding

the thymus that extends inwards to form
incomplete lobules.
 Cortex - outer darker, region of small
lymphocytes.
 T Lymphocytes - small nuclei of
condensed chromatin.
 Epithelial Reticular Cells - large cells
with oval nuclei and lightly stained
cytoplasm with processes.
 Macrophages (#1 and #2) - large cells
that phagocytize T cells marked for
removal.
  Medulla - inner, lighter region of larger Neonatal- Capsule Neonate- Epithelial Reticular Cells
lymphocytes.
 Hassall's Corpuscle (#1, #2 and #3) -
closely packed, concentrically arranged
epithelial reticular cells.

Hassall's corpuscles are the most readily identifiable

feature of the thymus.

Whole Slide

Neonate- Macrophage 1
Neonate- Cortex

Neonatal- Thymus

Neonate- Macrophage 2

Neonate- Lymphocytes
Neonate- Medulla Neonate- Hassall's corpuscles 3 Adult- Thymus

Neonate- Hassall's corpuscles 1 ADULT THYMUS Adult- Capsule

The thymus continues to enlarge up to puberty, but then

undergoes slow involution being replaced by adipose cells.

 Capsule - thin connective tissue surrounding the

thymus that extends inward as trabeculae to form
incomplete lobules.
 Cortex - outer darker, region of small lymphocytes.
 T Lymphocytes - small nuclei of
condensed chromatin.
 Epithelial Reticular Cells - large cells
with oval nuclei and lightly stained
cytoplasm with processes.
 Medulla - inner, lighter region of larger
lymphocytes.
 Hassall's Corpuscle (#1 and #2) -
Neonate- Hassall's corpuscles 2 closely packed, concentrically arranged Adult- Cortex
epithelial reticular cells.

Hassall's corpuscles are the most readily identifiable feature

of the thymus.
  Macrophages (#1, #2 and #3) - large
cells that phagocytize T cells marked for
Adult- Hassall's corpuscles 1
Adult- Lymphocytes removal. Many of the macrophages
contain phagocytized lymphocytes with
pyknotic nuclei.
 Mast Cells - round cells with oval nuclei
and granules stained a bright red.
 Cortical Capillaries (cross-
section and longitudinal) - the site of the
blood-thymus barrier.
 Medulla - inner, lighter region of larger
lymphocytes.
 Epithelial Reticular Cells - large cells
with oval nuclei and lightly stained
cytoplasm.
 Hassall's Corpuscle (#1, #2 and #3) -
closely packed, concentrically arranged
epithelial reticular cells.
Adult- Epithelial Reticular Cells
 Post Capillary Venules (#1 and #2) -
Adult- Hassall's corpuscles 2
have a wide lumen and the endothelial
nuclei bulge into the lumen. This is the
site where lymphocytes exit the thymus.

Whole Slide

Adult- Medulla
Thymus is an encapsulated organ where T-cells proliferate
and mature behind the blood-thymus barrier.

This slide has good examples of macrophages.

Mast Cells

 Capsule - thin connective tissue surrounding the

thymus that extends trabeculae inward forming
incomplete lobules.
 Cortex - outer darker, region of small lymphocytes.
 T Lymphocytes - tightly packed, small
nuclei of condensed chromatin
 Epithelial Reticular Cells - large cells
with oval nuclei and lightly stained
cytoplasm with processes. Their nuclei
have euchromatin and a prominent
nucleolus.
Thymic Vessels Lymphocytes Macrophage 2

Epithelial Reticular Cells Macrophage 3

Capsule

Macrophage 4
Macrophage 1
Cortex
Mast Cells Cortical Capillary (Longitudinal) Epithelial Reticular Cells (Medulla)

Hassall's corpuscles 1
Cortical Capillary (Cross Section)

Medulla

Hassall's corpuscles 2
Hassall's corpuscles 3

Post Capillary Venule 1

Post Capillary Venule 2