Histology of the Pancreas and

Spleen
 The pancreas
• A mixed exocrine (enzymes) and endocrine gland
(hormones)
• enclosed by a CT capsule and CT septa divide it
into lobules
• Exocrine portion is a compound acinar gland –
produces digestive enzymes
• Endocrine portion /islets of Langerhans- secrete
hormones, insulin, glucagon and somatostatin,
vasoactive intestinal peptide
• Regulated by vagus nerve and enteroendocrine
hormones, secretin, cholecystokinin.
 The exocrine pancreas
• Each lobule contain secretory units- acini (acinus)
• Acinar cells are pyramidal have extensive RER, prominent
golgi and zymogen granules
• Pancreatic acini synthesise and secrete enzymes that are
stored as zymogen granules at the apices of the cells
• Each acinus lies on a BL and is supported by a delicated
sheath of reticular fibres
• Acini are drained by intercalated ducts.....intralobular
ducts........interlobular ducts........main pancreatic duct
• Centroacinar cells represent the intra-acinar portion of the
intercalated duct
acini
The acinar cell
 The endocrine pancreas
• Islets of langerhans consist of
polygonal/rounded cells arranged into cords
and separated by blood capillaries (sinusoids)
• Types of cells; A/α cells- 20% and peripheral-
acidophilic cells that secrete glucagon; B/β
cells- basophilic cells that produce insulin
(central and numerous); D cells produce
somatostatin; F cells secrete pancreatic
polypeptide
THE SPLEEN
 General structure
• Largest lymphoid organ interposed in the path of
the blood vascular system
• Has a CT capsule with CT trabeculae penetrating
the parenchyma/pulp of the spleen
• Trabeculae carry blood vessels
• Smooth muscle cells present in capsule and
trabeculae
• Splenic pulp is divided into white pulp and red
pulp
 The red pulp
• Consist of a network of reticular cells and
fibres arranged into splenic cords of Billroth,
separated by splenic sinusoids
• Other cells in the cords; macrophages,
antigen-presenting cells, granulocytes,
lymphocytes, platelets and erythrocytes
• Splenic cords filter the blood for worn out red
blood cells and antigens
The splenic circulation
 The white pulp
• Consist of plasma cells, T-and B- lymphocytes
arranged along a central artery forming the
periarterial lymphatic sheath (PALS) or are
organised into lymphatic nodules .
• PALS contain T- lymphocytes and nodules
contain B-lymphocyte and plasma cells
• White pulp is involved in production of
sensitized lymphocytes (react to blood-borne
antigens)
 Splenic circulation
• Closed circulation; central
arteriole........venous sinusoid.......trabeculae
vein
• Open circulation; central arteriole.......splenic
cords.......venous sinusoids.....trabeculae vein
• Endothelial cells of the sinusoids lack tight
junctions and have incomplete fenestrated
BM- facilitates exchange of cells with the
splenic cords