The spleen, an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, plays a crucial role in the immune system. It has a unique structure composed of red pulp and white pulp, with each area performing distinct functions in both hematologic and immune systems (Cesta, M. F., 2006).

The red pulp constitutes about 80% of the spleen and is named after its high concentration of red blood cells. It contains splenic cords (regions densely packed with macrophages, red blood cells, and some white blood cells) and sinusoids (thin-walled vessels that are permeable to cells). The red pulp primarily filters the blood, removing old, damaged, or misshapen red blood cells. It also serves as a reservoir for blood, particularly red blood cells and platelets. During an infection or inflammation, these stored cells can be quickly released into circulation (Borges da Silva, H., Fonseca, R., Pereira, R. M., Cassado, A. A., Álvarez, J. M., & D’Império Lima, M. R., 2015).

The white pulp is interspersed within the red pulp and is so named due to its high concentration of white blood cells, specifically lymphocytes. The white pulp is further divided into periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths (PALS), primarily containing T cells, and follicles, rich in B cells. The arrangement of T and B cells in the white pulp facilitates their interaction, which is crucial for the activation of B cells (Lam, K. Y., & Yip, K. H., 1998).

The spleen acts as a filter for blood (unlike lymph nodes that filter lymph). As blood flows through the spleen, antigens in the blood are captured by specialized antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells present the antigens to T cells in the PALS, leading to T cell activation. Activated T cells can help B cells in the follicles respond to the same antigen, stimulating their proliferation, differentiation into plasma cells, and production of antibodies (Bowdler, A. J., 2002).

Additionally, the spleen plays a vital role in the immune response to encapsulated bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. These bacteria can evade the immune system due to their polysaccharide capsules. However, the spleen contains unique B cells (marginal zone B cells) that can respond to encapsulated bacteria and initiate their elimination (Martin, F., & Kearney, J. F., 2002).

Moreover, the spleen also has a role in the storage and rapid deployment of monocytes, a type of white blood cell. During systemic infection or injury, these monocytes can be quickly released to contribute to the immune response at the site of infection or tissue repair (Swirski, F. K., Nahrendorf, M., Etzrodt, M., Wildgruber, M., Cortez-Retamozo, V., Panizzi, P., … & Pittet, M. J., 2009).

The spleen plays multifaceted roles in the immune system: it filters the blood, removing aged or damaged red blood cells; it activates immune responses, particularly against blood-borne pathogens; and it serves as a reservoir for immune cells. Thus, it is integral to maintaining the overall health of the organism.

References:

Cesta, M. F. (2006). Normal structure, function, and histology of the spleen. Toxicologic Pathology, 34(5), 455-465.
Borges da Silva, H., Fonseca, R., Pereira, R. M., Cassado, A. A., Álvarez, J. M., & D’Império Lima, M. R. (2015). Splenic Macrophage Subsets and Their Function during Blood-Borne Infections. Frontiers in Immunology, 6, 480.
Lam, K. Y., & Yip, K. H. (1998). Splenic tumours and tumour-like lesions: a review of 152 cases. Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi, 4(2), 141-146.
Bowdler, A. J. (2002). The complete spleen: Structure, function, and clinical disorders. Springer Science & Business Media.
Martin, F., & Kearney, J. F. (2002). Marginal-zone B cells. Nature Reviews Immunology, 2(5), 323-335.
Swirski, F. K., Nahrendorf, M., Etzrodt, M., Wildgruber, M., Cortez-Retamozo, V., Panizzi, P., … & Pittet, M. J. (2009). Identification of splenic reservoir monocytes and their deployment to inflammatory sites. Science, 325(5940), 612-616.

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