The spleen is a small organ that is located in the upper left part of the abdomen and it is very important to filter the blood and remove the injured red blood cells as well as produce and store white cells for the immune system.
Over time, there are several diseases that can affect the spleen, causing it to become larger, can cause pain and change the blood test values. Some of these diseases include mononucleosis, spleen rupture or sickle cell anemia, for example. Know other causes of swollen spleen and how to treat.
Although it is important, this organ is not essential to life and so if necessary it can be removed through the surgery known as splenectomy.
Where is spleen anatomy
The spleen is located in the upper left part of the abdominal region, just behind the stomach and under the diaphragm, measuring about 10 to 15 cm and being similar to a closed fist, which is protected by the ribs.
This organ is divided into two main parts, the red pulp and the white pulp, which have different functions and are formed of a spongy tissue.
What is the spleen for?
There are several important functions performed by the spleen, including:
- Removal of injured and "old" red blood cells : The spleen functions as a filter that detects red blood cells that are already getting old or that have been damaged over time, removing them so that younger ones can replace them;
- Production of red blood cells : The spleen can produce this type of blood cells when there are any problems with the bone marrow of the long bones;
- Blood storage : The spleen can accumulate up to 250 ml of blood by putting it back into the body whenever a bleeding occurs, for example;
- Removal of viruses and bacteria : When sifting blood, the spleen is able to identify invading microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, removing them before they cause disease;
- Lymphocyte Production : These cells are part of the white blood cells and help the immune system to fight infections by viruses and bacteria.
These functions are made in the pulp of the spleen, and the red pulp is responsible for the storage of blood and red blood cells, while the white pulp is responsible for the functions of the immune system, such as the production of lymphocytes.
What can cause spleen pain and swelling
Changes that cause spleen enlargement or pain are usually caused by a viral infection in the body, such as mononucleosis, for example, which causes the spleen to produce a larger number of lymphocytes to fight infection by inflaming the organ and leaving -the biggest.
However, liver diseases such as cirrhosis, blood disorders, changes in the lymph nodes, or cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, can also cause changes in the spleen. Learn more about cas
On top of all this, the intense pain may also indicate a case of rupture of the spleen that happens mainly after accidents or strong blows in the belly. In this situation, you should go to the hospital immediately, as there may be an internal hemorrhage that puts your life at risk. See which signs may indicate rupture of the spleen.
Because it is possible to live without spleen
Although the spleen is a very important organ for the organism, it can be removed by surgery whenever there is cancer or when severe breakage arises, for example.
After removal of the spleen, other organs of the body will adapt to produce the same functions. An example is the liver, which adapts to fight infection and filter red blood cells, for example.
Understand better how surgery works to remove the spleen.
