Splenic pulp
Pulpa splenis
- Latin synonym: Pulpa splenica; Pulpa lienalis
- Eponym: Malpighian corpuscles
Definition
Splenic pulp refers to the two main functional compartments of the spleen: It contains two primary types of tissue: red pulp and white pulp. Each type of pulp has distinct functions and characteristics.
Generally, the immunological function of the spleen is carried out by the white pulp, while the hematological function is performed by the red pulp.
The white pulp is involved in the immune response and consists of lymphoid tissue organized around central arterioles. It includes periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths (PALS) primarily composed of T lymphocytes, and lymphoid follicles rich in B lymphocytes. The white pulp is responsible for generating specific immune responses to blood-borne antigens.[1-2]
The red pulp is primarily involved in filtering the blood. It consists of a network of sinusoids and splenic cords (cords of Billroth) that contain various blood cells, including erythrocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes. The red pulp is responsible for removing old or damaged red blood cells and particulate matter from the blood, as well as recycling iron.[1][3-4]
References
1.Human Spleen Microanatomy: Why Mice Do Not Suffice.Steiniger BS.Immunology. 2015;145(3):334-46. doi:10.1111/imm.12469.
2.Isolation of the Intact White Pulp. Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Cellular Composition of the Splenic Compartments.Nolte MA, Hoen EN, van Stijn A, Kraal G, Mebius RE.European Journal of Immunology. 2000;30(2):626-34. doi:10.1002/1521-4141(200002)30:2<626::AID-IMMU626>3.0.CO;2-H.
3.Exploring Human Splenic Red Pulp Vasculature in Virtual Reality: Details of Sheathed Capillaries and the Open Capillary Network.Steiniger BS, Pfeffer H, Guthe M, Lobachev O.Histochemistry and Cell Biology. 2021;155(3):341-354. doi:10.1007/s00418-020-01924-3.
4.Normal Structure, Function, and Histology of the Spleen.Cesta MF.Toxicologic Pathology. 2006;34(5):455-65. doi:10.1080/01926230600867743.
5.Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (13 edition)
