What are the 3 functions of the spleen?

The spleen has some important functions: it fights invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells) it controls the level of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) it filters the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells.

What are the histological characteristics of an enlarged spleen explain briefly?

The spleen is a fist sized organ located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. It is the largest lymphoid organ and thus the largest filter of blood in the human body.

Histology of the spleen.
DefinitionNon-vital lymphoid organ in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen
StructureRed pulp, white pulp

What is the structure of the spleen?

The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body. Surrounded by a connective tissue capsule, which extends inward to divide the organ into lobules, the spleen consists of two types of tissue called white pulp and red pulp. The white pulp is lymphatic tissue consisting mainly of lymphocytes around arteries.

What are 3 interesting facts about the spleen?

4 cool facts about your spleen
  • The spleen acts as a filter for your blood. …
  • The spleen fights certain types of bacteria. …
  • The blood vessels in the spleen are able to expand and contract, depending on your body’s needs. …
  • It is possible to live without your spleen.

What is a major function of the spleen?

As you’ve seen, your spleen is often on the “front lines” of your body; in fact, your spleen is a busy organ – especially considering its small size. Your spleen’s main function is to act as a filter for your blood. It recognizes and removes old, malformed, or damaged red blood cells.

What is the structure and function of the spleen?

The spleen is a small organ inside your left rib cage, just above the stomach. It’s part of the lymphatic system (which is part of the immune system). The spleen stores and filters blood and makes white blood cells that protect you from infection. Many diseases and conditions can affect how the spleen works.

How much blood does the spleen hold?

In humans, up to a cup (240 ml) of red blood cells is held within the spleen and released in cases of hypovolemia and hypoxia. It can store platelets in case of an emergency and also clears old platelets from the circulation.

Which is not a function of the spleen?

Answer and Explanation: The spleen does not (b) produce new erythrocytes in adults. Erythrocytes are produced by bone marrow cells. The process by which red blood cells are produced is known as erythropoiesis.

How long can you live without a spleen?

You can live without a spleen, but you may be at a greater risk for certain types of blood infection. The degree of risk depends on your age and if you have other diseases. Although your risk of infection is highest in the first two years after splenectomy, it stays high for the rest of your life.

What is an enlarged spleen called?

An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee). An enlarged spleen usually doesn’t cause symptoms. It’s often discovered during a routine physical exam. A doctor usually can’t feel the spleen in an adult unless it’s enlarged.

What type of epithelium is found in the spleen?

Histologically, primary splenic cysts have epithelial lining, i.e., flattened, low cuboidal, low columnar or squamous type and unilayered or multilayered with benign nuclear features[1]. Epidermoid cysts have stratified squamous epithelium with a fibrocollagenous cyst wall (Figure ​ 3).

What is the pathophysiology of splenomegaly?

Pathophysiology. Splenomegaly can be classified based on its pathophysiologic mechanism: Congestive, by pooled blood (e.g., portal hypertension) Infiltrative, by invasion by cells foreign to the splenic environment (e.g., metastases, myeloid neoplasms, lipid storage diseases)

What types of cells are found in the white pulp of the spleen and in the red pulp of the spleen?

Lymphatic vessels have valves, similar to veins, which allow lymph to flow in only one direction. What types of cells are found in the white pulp of the spleen and in the red pulp of the spleen? Lymphocytes are found in the white pulp of the spleen, whereas red blood cells are found in the red pulp of the spleen.

What is the Colour of spleen?

reddish purple
The spleen is very vascular and reddish purple in color; its size and weight vary. A healthy spleen is not palpable.

What is the blood supply of spleen?

The splenic artery is a branch of the celiac trunk. It traverses along the superior margin of the pancreas toward the spleen, branching to form up to six major arteries before entering the spleen. The splenic vein joins the superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein.

Is the spleen a lymph gland?

Spleen: This largest lymphatic organ is located on your left side under your ribs and above your stomach. The spleen filters and stores blood and produces white blood cells that fight infection or disease.

Why spleen is called blood bank?

Spleen is called as the blood bank of our body because it holds the reserve of blood in case of haemorragic shock. It is the largest lymphatic organ that acts as an emergency blood bank for our body and also help remove debris from the blood stream.

How big is the spleen?

Normally, the spleen does not extend inferior to the left costal margin; hence a normal spleen is seldom palpable through the anterolateral abdominal wall. It varies in size and shape but it is usually 12 cm long, 5 cm thickness, and 7 cm wide.