Spleen: red pulp

Splenic sinuses are unique sinusoidal vessels lined by highly elongated endothelial cells with large nuclei that bulge into the sinus lumen. The cells are oriented longitudinally with spaces between them, much like slats in a barrel.  These spaces facilitate movement of blood cells in and out of the sinus. Processes of macrophages span the lumen, providing surveillance for antigens in the blood.

Splenic sinuses are unique sinusoidal vessels lined by highly elongated endothelial cells with large nuclei that bulge into the sinus lumen. The cells are oriented longitudinally with spaces between them, much like slats in a barrel.  These spaces facilitate movement of blood cells in and out of the sinus. Processes of macrophages span the lumen, providing surveillance for antigens in the blood.

Splenic cords consist of a loose meshwork of reticular cells and fibers that support large numbers of erythrocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, and granulocytes. Damaged red blood cells are phagocytosed and destroyed by splenic macrophages and the iron from hemoglobin is reclaimed for new red blood cell formation.

Splenic cords consist of a loose meshwork of reticular cells and fibers that support large numbers of erythrocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, and granulocytes. Damaged red blood cells are phagocytosed and destroyed by splenic macrophages and the iron from hemoglobin is reclaimed for new red blood cell formation.

Splenic cords consist of a loose meshwork of reticular cells and fibers that support large numbers of erythrocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages, plasma cells, and granulocytes. Damaged red blood cells are phagocytosed and destroyed by splenic macrophages and the iron from hemoglobin is reclaimed for new red blood cell formation.