Marginal zone

Marginal Zone

The marginal zone is a region in the spleen and lymph nodes that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is primarily composed of B cells, which are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies to fight off infections.

Structure

The marginal zone is located at the interface between the white pulp and red pulp of the spleen, and surrounds the follicles in the lymph nodes. It is a specialized area where B cells can interact with antigens, which are substances that the immune system recognizes as foreign.

Function

The main function of the marginal zone is to trap antigens from the bloodstream and present them to the B cells. This triggers the B cells to produce antibodies, which can neutralize the antigens and prevent them from causing an infection.

In addition to B cells, the marginal zone also contains other types of immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, which can further enhance the immune response.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the marginal zone can lead to various health problems. For example, marginal zone lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates from the B cells in the marginal zone. It is a slow-growing cancer that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.

Furthermore, some autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, are associated with abnormalities in the marginal zone. In these diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

See Also

• Spleen
• Lymph nodes
• Immune system
• B cells
• Antibodies
• Antigens
• Marginal zone lymphoma
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

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  Illustration of the spleen

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  Dark, light, mantle, and marginal zones of a secondary follicle