Milky spots in the human greater omentum. Macroscopic and histological identification.

Macroscopic and histological investigations were made from surgical specimens demonstrating milky spots in the human greater omentum from subjects of various ages. The milky spots in the human greater omentum appear as tiny, cotton-wool-like masses to the naked eye. Histologically, the milky spots consisted mainly of many macrophages with diffuse cytoplasmic esterase reaction products and esterase-negative B lymphocytes surrounding the vascular networks. Macrophages phagocytosed many carbon particles which were introduced as a carbon suspension during the operation. The vascular networks were blood capillary convolutions with a glomerular shape. Silver impregnation showed the delicate networks of reticular fibers which constitute the framework of the organ. The number of milky spots was highest in infancy and gradually decreased with age.