From the Research
The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen with a complex internal structure that can be remembered using the mnemonic "PALS WHITE RED." The spleen consists of white pulp and red pulp separated by a marginal zone. The white pulp contains lymphoid tissue organized around central arteries (PALS - Periarteriolar Lymphoid Sheaths) where T cells reside, and lymphoid follicles containing B cells. The red pulp consists of venous sinuses and splenic cords (of Billroth) where blood filtration occurs. Another helpful mnemonic is "5-1-150-350": the spleen weighs about 150 grams, is 5 inches long, 1 inch thick, and contains 350 mL of blood reserve. Structurally, the spleen is enclosed by a fibrous capsule with trabeculae extending inward, and blood enters through the splenic artery which branches into trabecular arteries, then central arteries, and eventually into sinusoids. This organization allows the spleen to perform its key functions of blood filtration, immune surveillance, and storage of platelets and white blood cells. Understanding the spleen's structure is essential for recognizing how it removes damaged red blood cells and participates in both innate and adaptive immunity, as noted in various studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Some key points to remember about the spleen's structure include:
- The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen
- It is enclosed by a fibrous capsule with trabeculae extending inward
- The spleen consists of white pulp and red pulp separated by a marginal zone
- The white pulp contains lymphoid tissue organized around central arteries (PALS) where T cells reside, and lymphoid follicles containing B cells
- The red pulp consists of venous sinuses and splenic cords (of Billroth) where blood filtration occurs
- The spleen weighs about 150 grams, is 5 inches long, 1 inch thick, and contains 350 mL of blood reserve, as remembered by the mnemonic "5-1-150-350" 4.
It's worth noting that while the provided studies discuss the management of splenic injuries, they do not directly address the structure of the spleen. However, they do highlight the importance of understanding the spleen's function and structure in order to provide effective treatment, as seen in the study by 4.
In terms of the spleen's structure, it is clear that the spleen is a complex organ with a unique internal structure that plays a critical role in the body's immune system. Further study of the spleen's structure and function can provide valuable insights into its role in overall health and disease, as noted in the study by 2.
Overall, the spleen's structure is essential to its function, and understanding this structure is critical for providing effective treatment and care. By remembering the spleen's structure using mnemonics such as "PALS WHITE RED" and "5-1-150-350", healthcare professionals can better understand the spleen's role in the body and provide more effective treatment, as seen in the study by 5.