What Is the Lymphatic System?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
6. Gross Anatomy - Spleen
The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body. It is a convex structure located behind the stomach underneath the diaphragm. Surrounded by a connective tissue capsule, it extends inward dividing the spleen into lobules. It also contains red and white pulp where the red pulp contains venous sinuses filled with blood, lymphocytes, and macrophages while white pulp consists of lymphocytes surrounding the arteries.
The spleen functions to filter blood and the lymphocytes destroy pathogens in the blood. The macrophages in the spleen then engulf the damaged cells and debris. It also produces lymphocytes serving as a lymphocyte reservoir for the body. Iron is also recycled in the spleen.
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