Module 4: Immune-Lymphatic System: The Spleen

Question 1

Spleen receives blood supply via

Answer 1

single artery, the splenic artery

Question 2

Spleen is drained by the

Answer 2

splenic vein into the hepatic portal system

Question 3

The spleen only has _______ lymphatic vessels

Answer 3

efferent (leaving)

Question 4

2 functions of spleen

Answer 4

removal of particulate matter and defective blood cells from circulating peripheral blood (red pulp)
antibody formation (facilitated by activation of splenic B lymphs in white pulp)

Question 5

what takes over if the spleen is removed

Answer 5

liver and bone marrow

Question 6

Spleen capsule

Answer 6

dense, fibrous outer capsule wich is thickened at hilum (where major vessels and nerves enter/leave organ) and gives rise to supporting connective tissue septa called Trabeculae

Question 7

Trabeculae in spleen

Answer 7

conduct larger arteries and veins throughout the spleen and provide structural support for the fine reticulin network throughout organ

Question 8

macroscopic spleen

Answer 8

white nodules (white pulp) embedded in a red matrix (red pulp)

Question 9

microscopic spleen

Answer 9

white pulp consists of lymphoid aggregations surrounded by highly vascularized matrix, red pulp

Question 10

Spleen: White pulp

Answer 10

aggregations or sheaths of lymphoid tissues

Some resemble the follicles of lymph nodes while others contain central arterioles as well as the basophilic lymphocytes

Question 11

Spleen: Red pulp

Answer 11

venous sinuses surrounded by parenchyma
Blood is filtered and damaged RBC are removed by macrophages in parenchyma
Blood then moves into venous sinuses

Red pulp very acidophilic, stains pink

Question 12

Spleen: Venous sinuses

Answer 12

lined with endothelial cells called Stave cells
Small spaces between cells as well as in basement membrane allow cells to pass through
Venous sinuses combine to form splenic vein