White infarcts occurs in one of the following organs
## **Core Concept**
White infarcts, also known as anemic infarcts, occur due to arterial occlusion in solid organs with a single blood supply (end-arterial circulation) and are characterized by their pale appearance due to the lack of blood flow. This type of infarct is typical in organs where the circulation is primarily or exclusively supplied by arteries without significant collateral circulation.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, , is related to the spleen. The spleen, along with other organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver (to some extent), can exhibit white infarcts. This is because the spleen's blood supply is primarily from the splenic artery, a branch of the aorta, with limited collateral circulation. When this artery is occluded, the area supplied becomes ischemic and appears pale (white), characteristic of a white or anemic infarct.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** is incorrect because liver infarcts can appear white but are more commonly associated with a mixture of ischemia and congestion, and they have a dual blood supply from the hepatic artery and portal vein, which often results in a more varied appearance.
- **Option B:** is incorrect because lung infarcts are typically hemorrhagic (red) due to the lung's dual blood supply from both the pulmonary and bronchial arteries, leading to congestion and bleeding into the infarcted area.
- **Option D:** is incorrect because kidney infarcts can indeed appear white due to their end-arterial supply, but the question context seems to point towards an organ where white infarcts are particularly characteristic and commonly noted.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that white infarcts are typically seen in solid organs with end-arterial circulation and limited to no collateral supply. This is crucial for understanding the pathology of infarcts in different organs and can help in distinguishing between types of infarcts based on their macroscopic appearance.
## **Correct Answer: C. Spleen**