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Questions and Answers
What type of tissue constitutes the red pulp of the spleen?
What type of tissue constitutes the red pulp of the spleen?
Which of the following arteries supplies blood to the spleen?
Which of the following arteries supplies blood to the spleen?
What is one of the main roles of the spleen in the immune response?
What is one of the main roles of the spleen in the immune response?
What is splenomegaly?
What is splenomegaly?
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How does the spleen contribute to erythropoiesis in adults?
How does the spleen contribute to erythropoiesis in adults?
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What is the maximum weight of the thymus gland at puberty?
What is the maximum weight of the thymus gland at puberty?
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What structure is NOT connected to the spleen at its hilum?
What structure is NOT connected to the spleen at its hilum?
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What happens to the weight of the thymus gland after middle age?
What happens to the weight of the thymus gland after middle age?
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Study Notes
Splenic Structure and Function
- The spleen is composed of red pulp and white pulp
- Red pulp contains blood and macrophages
- White pulp is lymphatic tissue with lymphocytes and macrophages
- Splenic artery branches from the coeliac artery
- Splenic vein branches from the portal vein
- Lymph vessels exit the spleen
- Blood flows through sinusoids in the spleen
- Sinusoids allow close association with splenic pulp for function.
Spleen Functions
- Phagocytosis: Removes old/abnormal erythrocytes, and breaks down the products (bilirubin and iron), sent to the liver
- Also phagocytoses other cellular material like bacteria and leukocytes
- Unlike lymph nodes, the spleen doesn't receive lymph
- Blood Storage: Holds up to 350ml of blood, which can quickly return to circulation if needed (e.g., during hemorrhage)
- Immune Response: Activated by antigens (like infection), stimulates lymphocyte proliferation. This can enlarge the spleen in response (splenomegaly).
- Erythropoiesis: An important site for fetal blood cell production; it can also perform this function in adults in times of need.
Thymus Gland
- Located in the upper mediastinum, behind the sternum, and extends into the neck.
- It weighs roughly 10-15g at birth
- Continuously grows, attaining a maximum of 30-40g at puberty
- Atrophy occurs as it returns to its birth weight with middle age.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the anatomy and functions of the spleen. This quiz covers the composition of red and white pulp, the roles of the spleen in immunity, blood storage, and its vascular connections. Ideal for students studying human biology or medical sciences.
