The histology and structure of 38 spleens of the dromedary (aged 0.5–15 y) were studied in relation to age.
The spleen was found to have a thick capsule (292±106 mm) divided into an outer layer (113±39 mm)
composed mainly of connective tissue and an inner layer (180±81 mm) consisting mainly of smooth muscle
cells. Vascular and avascular trabeculae extend from the capsule, the former containing arteries and nerves
but no trabecular veins, the latter being divided structurally into primary and secondary trabeculae.
Subcapsular and peritrabecular blood sinuses around primary and vascular trabeculae are unique to the
camel spleen. The central artery emerges from the periarterial lymphatic sheath and branches into up to 4
penicilli which extend as sheathed arterioles (42±8 μm). These are found near or surrounded by blood
sinusoids of the red pulp. A wide marginal zone surrounds the white pulp and contains sheathed arteries but
no marginal sinuses. The red pulp is characteristically divided into cords by secondary trabeculae and
contains venous sinusoids of different sizes. The camel spleen is of a sinusal type that can store blood. The
thick muscular capsule and trabeculae pump the stored blood according to the body's need. Both closed and
open circulations are found. The venous return is unique as the blood flow is from the venous sinusoids of
the red pulp to the peritrabecular sinuses to the subcapsular sinuses to the splenic vein. No significant
structural differences related to age were found.