spleen

Introduction

Also see splenectomy.

Function

• the spleen functions as a hematopoietic organ in the fetus & as a lymphatic organ in the adult
• the spleen removes microorganisms & damaged cells from the circulation

Structure

• the spleen is a fist-sized organ located in the abdomen just under the left edge of the diaphragm.

Arterial supply

• splenic artery

⧼aaushi-heading-venous-drainage⧽

• splenic vein

Pathology

• the spleen is the most commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma

More general terms

• organ

Additional terms

• hypersplenism
• splenectomy

Component of

• lymphatic system
• abdomen

Components

• white pulp (of spleen)
• red pulp (of spleen)
• marginal zone (of lymph node)