The immune system consists of lymphatic organs, antibodies, and regulatory agents that work together to defend the body against diseases. The primary lymphatic organs are the red bone marrow and thymus gland, where lymphocytes originate and mature. Lymphocytes then congregate in secondary lymphatic organs like the spleen, lymph nodes, and tonsils. When tissue rejection occurs, the immune system recognizes and destroys cells bearing foreign MHC antigens. Diseases of the immune system include autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, and immune deficiencies, where the immune system is unable to adequately protect against disease.