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reticuloendothelial system
a network of cells and tissues found throughout the body, especially in the blood, general connective tissue, spleen, liver, lungs, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. They have both endothelial and reticular attributes and can take up colloidal dye particles. Some of the reticuloendothelial cells found in the blood and general connective tissue are unusually large, such as the ones concerned with blood cell formation and destruction, storage of fatty materials, and metabolism of iron and pigments; these play a role in inflammation and immunity.

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