| Red pulp | |
|---|---|
 Spleen | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | pulpa splenica |
| TA98 | A13.2.01.005 |
| TA2 | 5175 |
| FMA | 15844 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The red pulp of the spleen is composed of connective tissue known also as the cords of Billroth and many splenic sinusoids that are engorged with blood, giving it a red color.[1][2] Its primary function is to filter the blood of antigens, microorganisms, and defective or worn-out red blood cells.[3]
The spleen is made of red pulp and white pulp, separated by the marginal zone; 76–79% of a normal spleen is red pulp.[4] Unlike white pulp, which mainly contains lymphocytes such as T cells, red pulp is made up of several different types of blood cells, including platelets, granulocytes, red blood cells, and plasma.[1]
The red pulp also acts as a large reservoir for monocytes. These monocytes are found in clusters in the Billroth's cords (red pulp cords). The population of monocytes in this reservoir is greater than the total number of monocytes present in circulation. They can be rapidly mobilised to leave the spleen and assist in tackling ongoing infections.[5]
- ^ a b Luiz Carlos Junqueira; José Carneiro (2005). Basic histology: text & atlas. McGraw-Hill Professional. pp. 274–277. ISBN 0-07-144091-7.
- ^ Michael Schuenke; Erik Schulte; Udo Schumacher; Lawrence M. Ross; Edward D. Lamperti (2006). Atlas of anatomy: neck and internal organs. Thieme. p. 219. ISBN 1-58890-360-5.
- ^ Victor P. Eroschenko; Mariano S. H. di Fiore (2008). Di Fiore's atlas of histology with functional correlations. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 208. ISBN 978-0-7817-7057-6.
- ^ Carl Pochedly; Richard H. Sills; Allen D. Schwartz (1989). Disorders of the spleen: pathophysiology and management. Informa Health Care. pp. 7–15. ISBN 0-8247-7933-9.
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