MH 085 Spleen

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Spleen

The spleen is an encapsulated organ that filters blood and immunologically monitors blood.

- dense connective tissue enclosing the organ.
- - connective tissue that extends inward from the capsule through which enter the pulp.
- composed of lymphatic tissue. It appears basophilic due to the large number of nuclei.
- Splenic Nodules (,,) - clusters of B lymphocytes located on central arterioles. They usually contain a of activated B lymphocytes.
- Central Arterioles (,) - branches of trabecular arteries coated by PALS and adjacent to nodules.
- PALS (Periarteriolar Lymphatic Sheath; and ) - cylindrical mass of mature T lymphocytes that surrounds central arterioles.
- region between white and red pulp where macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes interact.
- filters and degrades red blood cells (RBCs). It appears eosinophilic due to the large number of RBCs.
- - vascular spaces lined by specialized that filter RBCs. These are better seen in MHS 212 Spleen.
- (of Billroth) - loose connective tissue that contains macrophages, plasma cells, and lymphocytes.
- Pulp Arterioles (,) - they are not surrounded by lymphocytes like central arterioles in white pulp.