The spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrates. source
The spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrates.
The spleen plays important roles in regard to red blood cells (also referred to as erythrocytes) and the immune system. source
The spleen plays important roles in regard to red blood cells (also referred to as erythrocytes) and the immune system.
The spleen removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood, which can be valuable in case of hemorrhagic shock, and recycles iron. source
The spleen removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood, which can be valuable in case of hemorrhagic shock, and recycles iron.
The spleen synthesizes antibodies in its white pulp and removes antibody-coated bacteria . source
The spleen synthesizes antibodies in its white pulp and removes antibody-coated bacteria .
A study published in 2009 using mice found that the red pulp of the spleen forms a reservoir that contains over half of the body's monocytes. source
A study published in 2009 using mice found that the red pulp of the spleen forms a reservoir that contains over half of the body's monocytes.
The spleen is a center of activity of the mononuclear phagocyte system and can be considered analogous to a large lymph node. source
The spleen is a center of activity of the mononuclear phagocyte system and can be considered analogous to a large lymph node.
The spleens absence causes a predisposition to certain infections. source
The spleens absence causes a predisposition to certain infections.
In humans, the spleen is brownish in color and is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. source
In humans, the spleen is brownish in color and is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen.
The spleen, in healthy adult humans, is approximately 7 centimetres (2.8 in) to 14 centimetres (5.5 in) in length. source
The spleen, in healthy adult humans, is approximately 7 centimetres (2.8 in) to 14 centimetres (5.5 in) in length.
The spleen usually weighs between 150 grams (5.3 oz)[9] and 200 grams (7.1 oz). source
The spleen usually weighs between 150 grams (5.3 oz)[9] and 200 grams (7.1 oz).
The spleen is 1" by 3" by 5", weighs approximately 7 oz, and lies between the 9th and 11th ribs on the left hand side. source
The spleen is 1" by 3" by 5", weighs approximately 7 oz, and lies between the 9th and 11th ribs on the left hand side.
Like the thymus, the spleen possesses only efferent lymphatic vessels. source
Like the thymus, the spleen possesses only efferent lymphatic vessels.
The spleen is part of the lymphatic system. Both the short gastric arteries and the splenic artery supply it with blood. source
The spleen is part of the lymphatic system. Both the short gastric arteries and the splenic artery supply it with blood.
Human spleens have been noted to decrease in volume up to 40% when subjected to stimuli from strenuous exercise or hypoxic gas inhalation. source
Human spleens have been noted to decrease in volume up to 40% when subjected to stimuli from strenuous exercise or hypoxic gas inhalation.
Asplenia refers to a non-functioning spleen, which may be congenital, damaged by trauma, or caused by disease such as sickle cell anaemia. source
Asplenia refers to a non-functioning spleen, which may be congenital, damaged by trauma, or caused by disease such as sickle cell anaemia.
In English the word spleen was customary during the period of the 18th century. source
In English the word spleen was customary during the period of the 18th century.
