splenic lymph follicle

anatomy

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The splenic lymph follicle, also known as a lymphoid nodule, is a component of the white pulp within the spleen. These follicles are small collections of lymphoid tissue that play a role in the immune response. Similar to lymph nodes, they contain lymphocytes and can develop germinal centres where lymphocytes are produced. When foreign substances (antigens) enter the bloodstream, the spleen, through its macrophages within both the red and white pulp, can initiate an immune reaction, including the production of antibodies by B cells that differentiate into plasma cells. The spleen acts as a filter for the blood, removing foreign material and old red blood cells.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

spleen
…lymphocytes, and lymphatic nodules, called follicles in the spleen. Germinal centres in the white pulp serve as the sites of lymphocyte production. Similar to the lymph nodes, the spleen reacts to microorganisms and other antigens that reach the bloodstream by releasing special phagocytic cells known as macrophages. Splenic macrophages reside…
Read More
…lymphocytes, and lymphatic nodules, called follicles in the spleen. Germinal centres in the white pulp serve as the sites of lymphocyte production. Similar to the lymph nodes, the spleen reacts to microorganisms and other antigens that reach the bloodstream by releasing special phagocytic cells known as macrophages. Splenic macrophages reside…
Read More