Spleen is an important organ, but it is not vital for human survival and it is possible to live without spleen. The spleen is actually an unknown organ whose function is not completely understood. The spleen is one of the body organs that is the size of a human fist and is located in the upper and left side of the abdomen, between the stomach and the diaphragm and almost under the ribs. has been It is deep purple in color. The spleen is protected from damage by the ribs.
Spleen is one of the body organs located in the upper left part of the abdomen. As a part of the immune system, the spleen produces and stores blood cells and is actually considered a part of the blood circulation system.
What are the functions of the spleen in the body?
1- Blood purification
The first and most important role of the spleen in the body is to purify the blood, a role similar to that performed by the liver in the body. The spleen cleans the blood. The spleen identifies damaged red blood cells in the bloodstream and removes them from the bloodstream.
2- Blood recycling
Old components of damaged blood cells, such as iron and hemoglobin, are recycled in the spleen and sent to the bone marrow and circulatory system to keep healthy blood flowing in the neck system. Hemoglobin is transported from the bone marrow to the circulatory system and is responsible for carrying oxygen.
3- Blood storage
One of the functions of the spleen is to store blood for the body. According to the blood needs of the body, the spleen can send the amount of blood needed by the body by widening and narrowing its vessels.
Spleen keeps some blood stored in it so that when the body needs blood due to injury and illness, it will be available to it.
If the spleen begins to bleed and continues to bleed, the surgeon may decide to remove the spleen
4- Maintaining body immunity
The spleen plays a key role in the functioning of the immune system. When the spleen filters the blood, it removes red blood cells damaged by infection.
During the process of removing the damaged red cells from the blood circulation, the spleen produces white blood cells and they, by producing antibodies, cause the destruction of infection and bacteria (pathogens).
5- Production of lymphocytes (white blood cells)
Another function of the spleen is to make white blood cells called lymphocytes.
People without white blood cells have no ability to fight infection and bacteria.
Also, white blood cells repair the damaged parts of the body.
Also, the spleen, in cooperation with the lymph nodes, produces lymphocytes so that the body can fight bacteria and viruses.
Spleen enlargement
When does the size of the spleen increase?
– The size of the spleen increases during and after digestion.
Infections such as malaria also increase the volume of the spleen.
If the size of the spleen becomes too large, it may lead to a rupture of the spleen, which requires immediate medical attention.
What happens if the spleen is damaged?
Bleeding occurs when the spleen is damaged.
Internal bleeding has symptoms, such as:
Pain in the abdomen, so that the person puts his hand on that part due to the pain.
When touching the upper and left part of the abdomen, a person feels severe pain.
The person feels severe pain in the left shoulder area.
These symptoms are very dangerous and must be taken seriously, otherwise they may lead to death.
What if the doctor has to remove the spleen?
If the spleen begins to bleed and continues to bleed, the surgeon may decide to remove the spleen.
In the absence of the spleen, its work is done by the lymphatic system of the liver, but the person may have problems in dealing with infections.
A person who has lost his spleen must prevent any infection and disease and take every small problem in his body seriously.
