Secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) are also known as peripheral lymphoid organs. They monitor the contents of extracellular fluids, such as blood, lymph, and tissue fluid. SLOs activate lymphocytes and immune cells to fight against foreign substances in the body.
Examples of SLOs include:
- Lymph nodes
- Spleen
- Peyer's patches
- Mucosal tissues
- Nasal associated lymphoid tissue (NALT):
- Adenoids
- Tonsils
The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ and is located in the abdominal area on the left side, just under the diaphragm. Tonsils are located at the throat and palate, where they can stop germs from entering the body through the mouth or nose.