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Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants

Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...

Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors

Role of Hematopoietic Growth Factors

Hematopoietic growth factors are molecules that regulate the differentiation rate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Erythropoietin (EPO), primarily produced by the kidneys, plays a crucial role in erythrocyte production. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, EPO is released into the bloodstream, reaching the bone marrow, where it stimulates HSCs to differentiate and mature into erythrocytes, which are vital for oxygen transport.
Thrombopoietin (TPO), mainly released by the liver,...

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...

Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

The hematopoietic stem cells or HSCs are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate and give rise to all blood and immune cells. HSCs are maintained in the quiescent stage until an external stimulus initiates their differentiation. The multipotent HSCs exist as two heterogeneous populations, long-term repopulating cells (LTRC) and short-term repopulating cells (STRC). The two HSC populations have different surface markers or receptors and are classified based on quiescence and long-term...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

A Mouse Model of Vascularized Heterotopic Spleen Transplantation for Studying Spleen Cell Biology and Transplant Immunity

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Published on: June 11, 2019

Spleen: A new role for an old player?

Giovanni Tarantino¹, Silvia Savastano, Domenico Capone

¹Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5 80131 Naples, Italy. tarantin@unina.it

World Journal of Gastroenterology

|October 12, 2011

Summary

The spleen, once overlooked, is now recognized for its crucial roles in immune regulation, metabolism, and endocrine function, particularly concerning nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This article explores the complex mechanisms underlying the spleen's multifaceted involvement in health and disease.

Keywords:

Endocrine function Immune system Metabolic asset Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Spleen

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Intravital Microscopy of the Spleen: Quantitative Analysis of Parasite Mobility and Blood Flow

Intravital Microscopy of the Spleen: Quantitative Analysis of Parasite Mobility and Blood Flow

Published on: January 14, 2012

Area of Science:

Immunology
Metabolic Science
Endocrinology

Background:

Historically, the spleen was considered a secondary organ in conditions like portal hypertension and lymphoproliferative diseases.
Its significance in infectious diseases has long been acknowledged.
Recent research highlights the spleen's central role in immune system regulation and metabolic processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically discuss the spleen's multifaceted roles beyond its traditional functions.
To explore the spleen's involvement in immune regulation, metabolic homeostasis, and endocrine functions.
To elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying the spleen's contributions to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Main Methods:

Literature review and critical analysis of existing research on splenic function.
Discussion of immunological pathways involving the spleen.
Examination of metabolic and endocrine interactions related to the spleen.

Main Results:

The spleen is integral to immune system regulation.
It plays a significant role in metabolic processes.
Emerging evidence links the spleen to endocrine functions, especially in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Conclusions:

The spleen is a vital organ with complex, interconnected functions.
Understanding these functions is crucial for addressing immune, metabolic, and endocrine disorders.
Further research into splenic mechanisms can offer new therapeutic targets, particularly for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.