Bursa of Fabricius and Functions of Bursa of Fabricius

Bursa of Fabricius

It is a primary lymphoid organ of birds which is situated near the cloaca. It consists of lymphoid centers that contain epithelial cells and lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are antibody producing cells. The B cells undergo maturation in this organ. Like thymus the bursa is largest at hatching and undergoes atrophy with maturation.

·              Mammals do not have Bursa of Fabricius

·              A structure in mammals that functions equivalent to that of birds is the bone marrow

Functions of Bursa of Fabricius

1.     It produces B lymphocytes. These are responsible for antibody production and Humoral immunity

2.     These B cells mature and go to the peripheral lymphoid organs and are seeded there

3.     Following appropriate antigenic stimulation, B lymphocytes trans-form into plasma cells and produce antibodies