The spleen is a lymphoid organ in the left upper quadrant
(LUQ) of the abdominal cavity. The white pulp contains lymphocytes, the red pulp
contains macrophages. The spleen is part of the phagocytic/immunologic system that
surrounds, engulfs, and destroys invading pathogens.
In
anemia states the spleen can produce erythrocytes but the anemia must be severe before
the spleen assists in this function. In health the spleen is not a primary source of
hematopoiesis. The white pulp traps foreign antigens, this causes the release of
antibodies and lymphocytes. Macrophages in the spleen remove old or damaged cells and
cell debris.
The spleen also acts as a reservoir for blood
and contains a high amount of platelets or thrombocytes which are needed for normal
blood clotting.
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