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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]
An image of the spleen in the human body. Also shows the red and white pulp regions. Splenocytes are spleen cells and consist of leukocytes like B and T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. [2] The spleen is split into red and white pulp regions with the marginal zone separating the two areas. The red pulp is involved with filtering blood ...
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, located on the upper left side of the abdomen next to the stomach, is significantly smaller than the liver, between 2.4 to 3 pounds lighter, and is roughly the size of a fist.
The red pulp of the spleen is composed of connective tissue known also as the cords of Billroth and many splenic sinusoids that are engorged with blood, giving it a red color. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Its primary function is to filter the blood of antigens , microorganisms, and defective or worn-out red blood cells.
Accessory spleens may be formed during embryonic development when some of the cells from the developing spleen are deposited along the path from the midline, where the spleen forms, over to its final location on the left side of the abdomen by the 9th–11th ribs. The most common locations for accessory spleens are the hilum of the spleen and ...
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]
Kehr's sign in the left shoulder is considered a classic symptom of a ruptured spleen. [1] [2] May result from diaphragmatic or peridiaphragmatic lesions, renal calculi, splenic injury or ruptured ectopic pregnancy. [citation needed]