SPLENIC CORPUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
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A splenic corpuscle, also known as a Malpighian corpuscle or white pulp module, is an anatomical structure found within the spleen. It is primarily composed of lymphoid tissue and is involved in the immune response by filtering and monitoring the blood for pathogens, foreign particles, and damaged cells.
The splenic corpuscle is spherical in shape and consists of a central arteriole surrounded by a tightly packed collection of lymphocytes and macrophages. The arterial blood enters the structure through the central arteriole, and as it passes through, lymphocytes attached to the arteriole's walls interact with the blood cells. If foreign particles or pathogens are detected, lymphocytes are stimulated to mount an immune response.
The lymphocytes in the splenic corpuscle act as a surveillance system for identifying and removing antigens, thus helping to maintain overall body immunity. The macrophages within the corpuscle play a crucial role in engulfing and destroying any captured foreign substances or aging blood cells.
The splenic corpuscles are particularly abundant in the white pulp of the spleen, which is the area responsible for initiating and orchestrating immune responses. Their strategic location within the spleen ensures efficient filtration and monitoring of the blood to detect and eliminate potentially harmful entities.
In summary, a splenic corpuscle is an integral component of the spleen's immune system, responsible for filtering blood, recognizing antigens, and coordinating immune responses to maintain overall body defense mechanisms.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPLENIC CORPUSCLE
Etymology of SPLENIC CORPUSCLE
The word "splenic corpuscle" is composed of two main terms: "splenic" and "corpuscle".
The word "splenic" comes from the Greek word "splēn", meaning "spleen". The term "spleen" refers to the organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, which is involved in filtering and storing blood, supporting the immune system, and destroying old or damaged red blood cells.
The word "corpuscle" has its roots in the Latin term "corpusculum", which translates to "small body" or "little particle". It is a diminutive form of "corpus", which means "body". In the medical field, "corpuscle" is often used to describe a small anatomical structure or cellular body.
