MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE SPLENIC RED PULP

The spleen is an important peripheral organ of the sanguification and immune defense. In vertebrates and humans, it is formed by the support-contractile apparatus, as well as by the white and red pulps. The red pulp consists of the soft splenic cords, reticular stromal systems, and sinuses, including vascular structures. The relative area of red pulp is an important test criterion of the organ. It takes from 48,95% to 84,3% in the vertebrates, and from 71,4% to 83,6% in humans. It depends on the class, type, race, sex, breed, the age of animals, or the person's age and physiological state. The indicator of red pulp’s relative area is used as a biomarker in the environment bioindication. Any change of its values indicates the changes of the environmental conditions. Determination of the morphological standards in the organs and tissues according to the animals’ age, species, and breed aspects is used in the prevention of diseases, effective treatment, and getting the high-quality food. The test criteria of the spleen are important while studying the effect of pharmacological drugs, conditions of animal sustentation and feeding. Determination of splenic morphometric parameters is of the great practical importance, particularly in surgery, laboratory diagnostics, and development of the medical measures.Keywords: spleen, morphology, fish, frogs, birds, mammals, human