Tag: biology

The spleen is the largest organ in the lymphatic system. It is an important organ for keeping bodily fluids balanced, but it is possible to live without it. The spleen is located under the ribcage and above the stomach in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. So, the correct option is "A" (Spleen).

Lymph is a liquid made up of plasma, WBCs, clotting factors but does not contain RBCs and form a system in a body known as lymphatic system and flows in lymph capillaries. It transports fatty acid in the form of chyle through the digestive system and WBCs through lymph nodes to bones.

Reticular fibers (type III collagen) are thin collagen fibers not typically detected with routine H & E staining. However, these fibers stain black with silver stain and are often called argyrophilic fibers. The spleen demonstrates the supportive network of reticular fibers present in many organs. In this slide, the delicate reticular fibers are black and the thick collagen fibers are red/brown.

The tissue, which forms the basic structure of lymphoid organs, spleen etc., is lymphoid tissue. Cells and organs that make up the lymphatic system, such as white blood cells (leukocytes), bone marrow, and the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. Lymphoid tissue has several different structural organizations related to its particular function in the immune response. The most highly organized lymphoid tissues are in the thymus and lymph nodes, which are well-defined encapsulated organs with easily identifiable architectures. In the spleen, the lymphoid tissue is a cylinder of loosely organized cells surrounding small arteries. 

Spleen is the largest lymph node of body. A special type of connective tissue is filled in spleen, which is called pulp. Splenic pulp has two parts - white pulp and red pulp. The white pulp is scattered in the form of patches of long and irregular sized lymphatic endothelium. The meshes of this network are studded with numerous splenic cells and lymphocytes. The red pulp forms major part of spleen. It is reddish in colour due to excessive RBCs. It is made up of venous sinuses. Red pulp of spleen contains erythrocytes and blood filled sinuses.

The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body and is positioned in the superior abdomen. The spleen plays important roles in regard to red blood cells and the immune system. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood, which can be valuable in case of hemorrhagic shock, blood loss and also recycles iron. It purifies the blood and helps the immune system to recognize and attack foreign antibodies and disease. The spleen is composed of the red and white pulp. The white pulp produces and grows immune cell as well as blood cells. On the other hand, the red pulp is responsible for purifying the blood and removing dead or old blood cells.