White Pulp: The Lymphatic Tissue
In the spleen, approximately 25 percent is made up of white pulp, which primarily consists of lymphatic tissue. While the red pulp is rich in different types of cells, the white pulp is specialized in other functions. Specifically, it contains specific areas that produce antibodies and serve as a refuge for T cells and macrophages.
T cells are a particular type of white blood cell called lymphocytes that play a crucial role in the body’s innate immune system. On the other hand, macrophages found in the white pulp are still somewhat enigmatic to scientists. Their origin and lifespan remain largely unknown, although they are present in all secondary lymphoid organs.
How Red Blood Cells are Produced
Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, play a vital role in transporting oxygen throughout the bloodstream. Normally, these cells are produced in the bone marrow. However, during the first five months of fetal development, the spleen also contributes to the production of red blood cells. This process, called hematopoiesis, ceases in the spleen after birth. Nevertheless, the spleen continues to generate lymphocytes, which are essential for the immune system. In rare cases, certain disorders can cause the spleen to persist in producing red blood cells even after birth.