Correct! The spleen is located in the upper left abdominal quadrant (left hypochondriac region) in the peritoneal cavity. Notice the white pulp of lymphoid nodules with pale staining germinal centers surrounded by a darker staining marginal zone. The white pulp is surrounded by red pulp, the blood-filled stroma of fine reticulin fibers and cells. A thin capsule and the blood-filled stroma contribute to this organ being easily ruptured by abdominal injuries.

Histology Scavenger Hunt!

Take a screenshot of Slide 73, Spleen, Kornhauser’s Quad, and find the following: capsule, central arteriole, germinal center, marginal zone, and red pulp

A few medical residents you are shadowing came from Harvard and they are extremely confused as to the function of the spleen (watch “What Does the Spleen Do? ft. Harvard Medical School” for homework if you haven’t seen it already!).

Kindly explain to them 3 functions of this majestic organ.

1)

2)

3)