Spleen
| Home |Chapter: HAP - Lymphatic System
The spleen is a dark purple, bean-shaped organ, about 12 cm long and weighing approximately 200 g. It lies in the left upper abdomen, beneath the rib cage. It filters blood, stores blood cells, and produces immune cells. Damage to the spleen can be life-threatening.
SPLEEN
The
spleen is a dark purple, bean-shaped organ, about 12 cm long and
weighing approximately 200 g. It lies in the left upper abdomen, beneath
the rib cage.
It
filters blood, stores blood cells, and produces immune cells. Damage to the
spleen can be life-threatening.
STRUCTURE
OF SPLEEN
The
spleen has:
- Diaphragmatic surface (contacts
diaphragm)
- Visceral surface (contacts stomach)
It
is covered by peritoneum and a fibrous capsule. Trabeculae divide the organ
internally.
The
splenic tissue contains Malpighian corpuscles, which are lymphoid
structures.
The
spleen is supplied by the splenic artery and drained by the splenic
vein.
White
Pulp
White
pulp consists of lymphatic tissue surrounding arteries. It contains lymphoid
follicles rich in B-cells and follicular dendritic cells.
White
pulp appears as white dots on a cut surface of the spleen and is responsible
for immune functions.
Red
Pulp
Red
pulp consists of blood-filled sinusoids and splenic cords. It contains
macrophages that destroy old and damaged red blood cells.
FUNCTIONS
OF SPLEEN
- Produces blood cells during foetal
life
- Filters blood and removes old RBCs
- Produces antibodies and WBCs
- Destroys pathogens by phagocytosis
- Maintains fluid balance
- Acts as a blood reservoir
