Spleen

Spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the human body. Lymphatic or lymphoid organs are the major parts of the immune system of our body. Function of the immune system is to protect the host from the invasion of foreign organisms. Immune system helps the body to distinguish its own tissues from external substances such as bacteria, viruses and toxins. Thus dysfunction or deficiency of components of the immune system can lead to various diseases ranging from arthritis, HIV and cancer.

                               

Spleen weighs about 150 gm in adults and lies under the diaphragm in the left upper part of the abdomen at the level between 9th and 11th ribs. Anterior to the spleen lies stomach and medially lies the superior part of the left kidney. Spleen resembles the size and shape of a clenched fist.

⇛ Spleen participates in the primary immune response to invading bacteria, viruses, parasites or foreign particles. Spleen is a strong defense against blood-borne pathogens. Removal of spleen increases the risk of infection.

⇛ Spleen acts like a filter for the blood; it removes cellular residues, particulate matter, senescent RBCs and other abnormal cells from the bloodstream.

It is the abnormal enlargement of spleen. When the spleen is diseased it can be 10 times larger than its normal size. Causes include:

⇛ parasitic infection such as malaria, kala azar
⇛ chronic tuberculosis
⇛ typhoid, septic shock, infective endocarditis
⇛ rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus
⇛ portal hypertension, liver diseases
⇛ lymphomas, anemia, leukemia