File:Spleen structure 02.jpg

Spleen Structure Cartoon

Schematic representation of the organization of the spleen (left panel).

• The white pulp consists of T cell zones (also known as the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath (PALS)) containing networks of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) surrounding a central arteriole, together with B cell follicles containing a central network of follicular dendritic cells (FDC).
• Marginal zones (MZ) surrounding the white pulp contain marginal reticular cells (MRC), particularly at the edges of the B cell follicles.
• Blood and leukocytes entering the spleen pass through branches of the central arteriole, which end in the marginal sinuses and red pulp.
• In the cords of the red pulp, a dense network of reticular fibroblasts and fibres construct an open blood network, which is marked by its lack of a typical endothelial cell lining.
• Large numbers of macrophages phagocytose dying or damaged red blood cells in the red pulp (not shown).
• Immune cells enter the white pulp at regions where the T cell zones abut the MZ, known as the MZ bridging channels.

Reference

<pubmed>19644499</pubmed>| PMC2785037 | Nat Rev Immunol.

Mueller

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