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Copyright ©2011 Baishideng Publishing Group Co.
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 7, 2011; 17(33): 3776-3784
Published online Sep 7, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i33.3776
Table 2 Function of the spleen
Red pulp
Extramedullary hematopoiesis if required
Facilitating an environment wherein erythrocytes rid themselves of solid waste material
Blood filter for foreign material and damaged and senescent blood cells
Storage site for iron, erythrocytes, platelets, plasmablasts and plasma cells
Rapid release of antigen-specific antibodies into the circulation produced by red pulp plasma cells
Defense against bacteria using iron metabolism by its macrophages
White pulp
T cell zone (periarterial lymphatic sheath) and B cell zone (follicles)
Storage site for B and T lymphocytes
Development of B and T lymphocytes upon antigenic challenge
Release of immunoglobulins upon antigenic challenge by B lymphocytes
Production of immune mediators involved in clearance of bacteria such as complement, opsonins, properdin and tuftsin
Marginal zone
Phagocytosis of circulating microorganisms and immune complexes by MZ macrophages
Development of marginal zone B lymphocytes upon TI-2 antigenic challenge
Blood trafficking of B and T lymphocytes
Release of immunoglobulins upon antigenic challenge by splenic B lymphocytes