Revision lecture spleen Flashcards
what does the red pulp do?
recycles red blood cells, metabolises haemoglobin
what does white pulp do?
antibody synthesis, removal of bacteria and blood cells coated with antibodies
describe the blood supply from the heart to the spleen
aorta, abdominal aorta, celiac artery, splenic artery
describe the veins from the spleen to the liver?
splenic vein to hepatic portal vein
whats the risk of hyposplenism?
sepsis
Two things that can cause hyposplenism?
sickle cell anaemia
splenectomy
test for hyposplenism?
the presence of Howell Jolly bodies in blood film
these are normally removed by the spleen
causes of splenomegaly and whY (3)
Haemolytic anaemia- Increased workload
Portal hypertension due to some liver damage- congestion and back pressure into the spleen
leukaemia/lymphomas infiltration- spleen is the location of many white blood cells
which three pathogens are asplenic patients most at risk from?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus Influenzae
Meningococcus