Red pulp
Red Pulp
Red pulp (/rɛd pʌlp/) is a component of the spleen that is involved in filtering the blood of antigens, microorganisms, and defective or worn-out red blood cells.
Etymology
The term "red pulp" is derived from its reddish color due to the high concentration of red blood cells. The word "pulp" is used to describe its soft, fleshy consistency.
Function
The red pulp of the spleen is primarily composed of sinusoids lined with macrophages, a type of white blood cell. These sinusoids are filled with blood, and the macrophages remove old and damaged red blood cells when blood passes through them. The red pulp also contains reticular fibers and reticular cells that produce a network to support the sinusoids.
Structure
The red pulp surrounds the white pulp, which is the other main component of the spleen. It is composed of splenic cords (also known as cords of Billroth) and venous sinuses. The splenic cords are regions of reticular connective tissue containing large numbers of red blood cells, granulocytes, and plasma cells.
Related Terms
- Spleen: The organ in which the red pulp is found.
- White Pulp: The other main component of the spleen, involved in producing and growing immune and blood cells.
- Macrophage: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells.
- Sinusoids: Small, irregularly shaped blood vessels that are present in the red pulp.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Red pulp
- Wikipedia's article - Red pulp
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