The spleen is a spongy, vascular lymphoid organ located on the left side of the abdomen, between the stomach and the diaphragm.
It eliminates expired red blood cells and reuses the iron in them. Many of its functions are actually performed by other organs.
Known Functions of the Spleen
Production of Red Blood Cells
The spleen is the place where red blood cells are made in the fetus in the womb. Normally, after birth, the bone marrow takes over this task from the spleen. In cases where the bone marrow does not work or is invaded by other tissues (cancer tissue), the spleen may start producing red blood cells again.
Spleen as a blood cleaner: In parallel with the work of the body's defense system, the spleen also produces cells that play a role in the body's resistance to microbes. In addition, the spleen has a role in the production of special substances, that is, antibodies, that will resist microorganisms.
White Blood Cell Production
The spleen produces lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. In addition, the spleen cannot produce white blood cells in the evening.
Destruction of Red Cells
Aging red blood cells and those with abnormal shapes are taken and destroyed by large spleen cells.
As a Blood Storage. Spleen
In cats, dogs, and other mammals, the spleen stores red blood cells. In situations requiring great energy and in cases of major bleeding, the spleen contracts and provides plenty of blood to the circulatory system. Although it has been said for years that the spleen performs this function in humans, today it is known that this is not true.
Spleen in Diseases
A large spleen is seen in the course of many diseases. Blood diseases, birth metabolism diseases, some infectious diseases such as malaria and many other diseases enlarge the spleen. Spleen size in malaria is so characteristic that spleen size can be used as a measure to measure the prevalence of malaria in a region.
If the spleen is removed, the person does not die, that is, not having a spleen is a condition compatible with life. In cases where blood cells decrease excessively and in some diseases where the enlarged spleen disturbs the patient very much, the patient can be relieved by removing the spleen.
Causes of Spleen Swelling
Visibility of the spleen. Its properties also include supporting the immune system. In some disease cases that occur in the body, microbes are fought. In this way, the spleen may swell as the blood and lymph system are affected. There are many other causes of spleen swelling. Examples of these diseases are malaria, syphilis, typhoid, infection, tumor, liver diseases, parasites, tumor and poisoning. In addition, high blood pressure in the portal vein causes the spleen to swell.
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