Tag: lymph and its function

The spleen is often referred to as the graveyard of red blood cells, because the majority of the injured RBC get destroyed there. 

Blood is a special connective tissue consisting of a fluid matrix, plasma, and formed elements. As the blood passes through the capillaries in tissues, some water along with many small water-soluble substances move out into the spaces between the cells of tissues leaving the larger proteins and most of the formed elements (RBC, WBC and Platelets) in the blood vessels. This fluid released out is called the interstitial fluid or tissue fluid. An elaborate network of vessels called the lymphatic system collects this fluid and drains it back to the major veins. The fluid present in the lymphatic system is called the lymph. WBC are present in lymph. Hence the main difference in blood and lymph is the absence of RBC.

The red pulp of the spleen is composed of splenic sinuses and splenic cords, which are filled with red blood cells, giving it its characteristic red color.

The spleen contains white pulp (lymphoid tissue) and red pulp (vascular tissue). The trabeculae provide structural support, and the spaces between them are occupied by these two types of pulp.

The spleen acts as a reservoir for blood cells, storing red blood cells and platelets, and it also plays a role in immune function by housing white blood cells.

The spleen receives blood via the splenic artery, which carries oxygenated blood from the aorta. Other organs like the lungs and gills are involved in gas exchange and receive deoxygenated blood.

Cords of Billroth, also known as splenic cords, are found in the red pulp of the spleen and consist of a network of reticular fibers and cells.

The spleen receives arterial blood directly from the splenic artery, which is oxygenated. Lungs and gills receive deoxygenated blood for gas exchange.