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The Spleen
The spleen is located in the upper part of the abdomen on the left side of the body. It is a ductless gland like organ that measures about 12 cm in length and is of a purplish color. The spleen is the largest structure in the lymphatic system and has a sponge like consistency. It has two types of tissues: Red pulp and white pulp. Red pulp is formed by the whole blood that oozes through the capillary walls and is trapped by the trabeculae. The plasma from the blood then returns back to the circulatory system of the body. The red cells that are trapped here are the reservoir that can be released when more red blood cells are needed by the body. The white pulp is formed by the white blood cells and plasma cells. It is here where some of the lymphoid cells are formed and act as part of the body’s immune system. The cells in the white pulp act on the body’s immunity to react against bacteria, parasites, toxins, viruses, etc.
The spleen is where red blood cells get recycled. As blood passes through the spleen, they get squeezed and the less stable cells break down. Hemoglobin is released by the cells and is transported back to the liver for the formation of bilirubin.
The spleen does contain cells called the rediculoendothelial cells that act as a cleaning system for the blood. When the blood has infectious agents in it, (bacteria, debris, parasites, etc.) these cells remove these invaders.