Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionAssociated ConditionsTests

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Anatomy

Function

Associated Conditions

Tests

Clinically, the spleen can become enlarged (a condition called splenomegaly) due to a range of conditions, including cancer,pressure from the veins, and bacterial or viral infections. Furthermore, this organ can be injured due to significant abdominal trauma; in serious situations,splenectomy surgery, which is the removal of the spleen, may be required.

In adults, the spleen is a purple organ that is about the size of a clenched fist.

Structure

The visceral peritoneum, a smooth membrane that’s composed of two layers of cells, covers the spleen. The membrane secretes fluid and serves a protective function.An opening in this membrane, called the hilum of the spleen, allows the splenic artery and vein to circulate blood to the organ.

The spleen is composed of two types of tissues:

Location

The spleen resides in the upper left portion of the abdomen or “hypochondriac” region, just behind the stomach, with the left kidney to its immediate right, andthe diaphragmjust above it.

Anatomical Variations

While relatively rare, there are several prominent anatomical variations of the spleen. These include:

As part of the lymphatic system, the spleen serves multiple major and inter-related functions involving the body’s blood supply. It plays an important role inimmune functionand in recycling RBCs.

Red pulp: This part of the organ filters blood, removing foreign bodies, microbes, and faulty RBCs. These are filtered in specialized WBCs calledlymphocyteslocated in the lymph nodules of the spleen.

The RBCs are recycled in the spleen, which also stores WBCs and platelets (cells that help with clotting). These cells are released to aid in healing when there is an infection or injury.

White pulp: The spleen produces WBCs and synthesizes antibodies. This tissue is the site of lymphocyte production.

Despite the significance of what it does, the body can survive without the spleen.If the spleen is removed or damaged, the liver, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other surrounding organs can take up some of what it does. However, medical supplementation is often needed in such cases.

The spleen is involved in a number of health issues, including some potentially life-threatening disorders or diseases. Medication and other treatments can resolve some of these problems. Sometimes splenectomy—the removal of the spleen—is required as treatment for these conditions,

The most common conditions involving the spleen include:

How to Keep Yourself Safe Without a Spleen

After a splenectomy the immune system is partially compromised, leading to a susceptibility to certain bacterial infections, includingStreptococcus pneumoniae,Neisseria meningitidis,andHaemophilus influenzae.Vaccination against these organisms is strongly recommended.

Post operatively, antibiotics may be prescribed for an extended period of time. And when you don’t have a spleen. preventative antibiotics might be needed when there’s a risk of infection.

Assessment of spleen function involves several different kinds of tests and will vary based on symptoms.

These are:

8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chaudhry S, Panuganti K.Anatomy: Abdomen and pelvis, spleen. StatPearls.Vaskovic J.Spleen. Kenhub.Radiology Key.Anomalies and anatomic variants of the spleen. Radiology Key.Niknejad M, Hacking C.Polysplenia syndrome. Radiopaedia.Chiotoroiu AL, Venter DM, Negoi I, et al.Splenic implant assessment in trauma.Chirurgia (Bucur). 2014;109(6):731-40.The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma.Blunt splenic trauma.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What vaccines are recommended for you.Cleveland Clinic.Splenectomy (spleen removal): Diagnosis, procedure, risks & benefits.

8 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chaudhry S, Panuganti K.Anatomy: Abdomen and pelvis, spleen. StatPearls.Vaskovic J.Spleen. Kenhub.Radiology Key.Anomalies and anatomic variants of the spleen. Radiology Key.Niknejad M, Hacking C.Polysplenia syndrome. Radiopaedia.Chiotoroiu AL, Venter DM, Negoi I, et al.Splenic implant assessment in trauma.Chirurgia (Bucur). 2014;109(6):731-40.The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma.Blunt splenic trauma.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What vaccines are recommended for you.Cleveland Clinic.Splenectomy (spleen removal): Diagnosis, procedure, risks & benefits.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Chaudhry S, Panuganti K.Anatomy: Abdomen and pelvis, spleen. StatPearls.Vaskovic J.Spleen. Kenhub.Radiology Key.Anomalies and anatomic variants of the spleen. Radiology Key.Niknejad M, Hacking C.Polysplenia syndrome. Radiopaedia.Chiotoroiu AL, Venter DM, Negoi I, et al.Splenic implant assessment in trauma.Chirurgia (Bucur). 2014;109(6):731-40.The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma.Blunt splenic trauma.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What vaccines are recommended for you.Cleveland Clinic.Splenectomy (spleen removal): Diagnosis, procedure, risks & benefits.

Chaudhry S, Panuganti K.Anatomy: Abdomen and pelvis, spleen. StatPearls.

Vaskovic J.Spleen. Kenhub.

Radiology Key.Anomalies and anatomic variants of the spleen. Radiology Key.

Niknejad M, Hacking C.Polysplenia syndrome. Radiopaedia.

Chiotoroiu AL, Venter DM, Negoi I, et al.Splenic implant assessment in trauma.Chirurgia (Bucur). 2014;109(6):731-40.

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma.Blunt splenic trauma.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What vaccines are recommended for you.

Cleveland Clinic.Splenectomy (spleen removal): Diagnosis, procedure, risks & benefits.

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