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Milky spots in the human greater omentum. Macroscopic and histological identification
M Shimotsuma1, M Kawata, A Hagiwara
1First Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
Macroscopic and histological investigations were made from surgical specimens demonstrating milky spots in the human greater omentum from subjects of various ages. The milky spots in the human greater omentum appear as tiny, cotton-wool-like masses to the naked eye. Histologically, the milky spots consisted mainly of many macrophages with diffuse cytoplasmic esterase reaction products and esterase-negative B lymphocytes surrounding the vascular networks. Macrophages phagocytosed many carbon particles which were introduced as a carbon suspension during the operation. The vascular networks were blood capillary convolutions with a glomerular shape. Silver impregnation showed the delicate networks of reticular fibers which constitute the framework of the organ. The number of milky spots was highest in infancy and gradually decreased with age.
Insights
Milky spots in the human greater omentum are collections of macrophages and B lymphocytes. Their numbers are highest in infancy and decrease with age.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Histology
- Immunology
Background:
- The human greater omentum contains macroscopic structures known as milky spots.
- These structures have not been extensively characterized across different age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the macroscopic and histological features of milky spots in the human greater omentum.
- To analyze the cellular composition and structural organization of milky spots.
- To determine the age-related changes in the prevalence of milky spots.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic examination of surgical specimens from the human greater omentum.
- Histological analysis using esterase staining and silver impregnation.
- Introduction of carbon particles to assess macrophage phagocytic activity.
Main Results:
- Milky spots appear as cotton-wool-like masses macroscopically.
- Histologically, they comprise esterase-positive macrophages and esterase-negative B lymphocytes surrounding glomerular-shaped capillary networks.
- Macrophages demonstrated phagocytosis of introduced carbon particles.
- Reticular fibers formed the framework of the milky spots.
- The highest number of milky spots was observed in infancy, with a gradual decrease in prevalence with increasing age.
Conclusions:
- Milky spots are characterized by a specific cellular composition and vascular architecture.
- Macrophages within milky spots exhibit phagocytic capabilities.
- The prevalence of milky spots in the greater omentum declines with age, suggesting potential age-related functional or structural modifications.
