2020 Online Salon
The Red Pulp of the Spleen
Project Detail
- Entrant Name: Susie Yun
- Membership Type: Student Submission
- Other Contributors:
- Address: Baltimore, Maryland USA
- Client: David Rini
- Copyright: 2020 Susie Yun
- Medium/software used: Maxon C4D, Pixologic ZBrush, Adobe After Effects
- Final presentation format: Animation video
- Primary Audience: Undergraduate biology students
Project Description
This animation educates the viewer on the complex anatomy of the spleen and its role in blood filtration. The animation first introduces the general anatomy of the spleen and focuses on the structure and function of the red pulp. After briefly depicting the structure of venous sinuses, it progresses to the pathway of red blood cells (RBCs) through open and closed circulation. The different fates of healthy and old RBCs are highlighted, followed by the role of macrophages in blood filtration.
To most clearly describe the venous sinuses, most of the reticular fibers surrounding the area were purposefully omitted to obtain a clear visual field. The density of red blood cells and leukocytes within the splenic cords was also attenuated to bring more focus to the blood flowing in the vessels. Few 3D-visualizations of the spleen are easily available, and this animation helps fill the information gap for an organ that many students find confusing.
