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The spleen (from Anglo-Norman espleen, ult. from Ancient Greek σπλήν, splḗn) [1] is an organ found in almost all vertebrates. Similar in structure to a large lymph node, it acts primarily as a blood filter. The spleen plays important roles in regard to red blood cells (erythrocytes) and the immune system. [2]
The spleen is an important organ in regard to immunological function due to its ability to efficiently destroy encapsulated bacteria. Therefore, removal of the spleen runs the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection , a medical emergency and rapidly fatal disease caused by the inability of the body's immune system to properly fight ...
The spleen is an important immunological organ that acts as a filter for red blood cells, triggers phagocytosis of invaders, and mounts an immunological response when necessary. [2] Lack of a spleen, called asplenia, can occur by autosplenectomy or the surgical counterpart, splenectomy. Asplenia can increase susceptibility to infection. [3]
Splenic infarction is a condition in which blood flow supply to the spleen is compromised, [1] leading to partial or complete infarction (tissue death due to oxygen shortage) in the organ. [2] Splenic infarction occurs when the splenic artery or one of its branches are occluded, for example by a blood clot. [3]
Spleen transplantation is the transfer of spleen or its fragments from one individual to another. It is under research for induction of immunological tolerance for other transplanted organs. Success has been achieved in rodent models. Recently, evidence has been obtained for a tolerogenic effect of a spleen transplant in miniature swine.
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Depending on the need to test for specific diseases such as ascites, special tests may be performed as a part of the physical examination. [2] An abdominal examination may be performed because the physician suspects a disease of the organs inside the abdominal cavity (including the liver, spleen, large or small intestines), or simply as a part ...
Patients without a spleen often need immunizations against pathogens that normally require opsonization and phagocytosis by macrophages in the spleen. These include common human pathogens with bacterial capsules ( Streptococcus pneumoniae , Salmonella typhi , Neisseria meningitidis , E. coli , Hemophilus influenzae , Streptococcus agalactiae ...