The spleen is a wedge-shaped organ that is found in the upper left abdomen of the body between the fundus of the stomach and the diaphragm. It is adjacent and in front of the left kidney and weighs between 150-200 grams in adults. Most vertebrates have this organ. Although the spleen is the site of several processes related to the body's defense which is mediated through the lymphatic and blood circulatory system, people can function without it after surgical removal. Other organs of the body can compensate to a certain degree and there are medications that are needed to help prevent disease occurrence because, without it, the immune system is compromised. http://www.pitt.edu/~anat/Abdomen/Spleen/Spleen.htm http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec14/ch179/ch179a.html http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Spleen_explained
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have symptoms related to spleen malfunction, please consult your doctor.
References
Fast Facts
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Structure
Spongy organ made up red and while pulp tissue
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Function
The white pulp produces lymphocytes which are important for the immune system, and the red pulp has four functions: filtering the blood, phagocytes destroy invading bacteria, monitors blood cells and destroys old cells, and it stores white blood cells and platelets.
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Disorder
Splenomegaly (enlargement), hypersplenism (overactive), splenic rupture.
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Named after
The Greek equivalent term is splen, which means bad temper, derived from the belief that it is seat of ill temper.
