The spleen is the largest organ of the lymphatic system. It is commonly a fist-shaped \u270a organ located beneath the rib cage and above the stomach, in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few fun facts about the spleen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the immune system, the spleen helps with maintenance, and acts as a filter for blood,. It contains special white blood cells known as phagocytes which devour viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spleen utilizes the mononuclear phagocyte system to recycle old and misshapen red blood cells from the body. About 90% of red blood cells are recycled in the spleen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spleen is made up of two types of tissue: a red pulp and a white pulp. The red pulp of the spleen is composed of connective tissue known as the cords of Billroth and many splenic sinusoids that are engorged with blood, giving it a red color. The white pulp consists entirely of lymphatic tissue and contains immune cells, B and T lymphocytes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a handy number sequence to remember the dimensions, weight and location of the spleen, and it goes up in twos from the number one: 1,3,5,7,9,11<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of the location of the spleen and its close relationship to the overlying ribs, it can be prone to injury. The most common cause of a ruptured spleen is blunt abdominal trauma, which may occur as a result of traffic collisions or sports accidents.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-traumatic causes are less common. These include infectious diseases, medical procedures such as colonoscopy, and haematological diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope you now have a whole new appreciation for this lesser known, but nonetheless hard working organ!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore the most advanced 3D anatomy atlas ever created with Complete Anatomy. See the learning power today and <\/strong>try it for free<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"