Equipping People To Make Sense Of What They Are Told
The spleen has an important role in red blood cells and the immune system. It is
located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen.
The spleen removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood in case of hemorrhagic
shock while also recycling iron. It synthesises antibodies in its white pulp and
removes antibody-coated bacteria along with antibody-coated blood cells by way of
blood and lymph node circulation.
The spleen is an internal organ, about the size of a fist, found in the human abdomen.
The spleen functions as part of the immune system and contributes to the production
and storage of blood cells as part of the circulatory system. The spleen is an important
organ, however it is not vital for human survival.
Function of the Spleen:
The majority of the spleen's functions are related to the immune system or the blood
supply. The spleen removes old red blood cells, called erythrocytes, from the blood
supply and removes, stores and produces white blood cell lymphocytes. These stored
lymphocytes produce antibodies and assist in removing microbes and other debris from
the blood supply.
The spleen is composed of two types of tissue: white pulp and red pulp. The white
pulp of the spleen participates in the immune system by producing the lymphocytes.
The red pulp acts as a filter and storage reservoir for the blood. Because of its
function the spleen is surrounded by a multitude of blood and lymph vessels.
Considerations after removal of the spleen:
If the spleen is severely damaged, it can be removed surgically with a procedure
called a splenectomy. The majority of the functions of the spleen are taken over
by the liver after a splenectomy. Once the spleen is removed, however, an individual
does have an increased susceptibility to infections due to the loss of its immune
function for which the liver is unable to compensate.
Enlarged Spleen:
The spleen can become enlarged as a result of infection, anaemia or cancer. This
enlargement is a result of an excess of trapped blood cells that can damage the spleen's
function.
