Spleen Flashcards
How big is the spleen?
about 5 inches in length
What is the single largest mass of tissue in the lymphatic system?
spleen
Where is the spleen located?
in the left hypochondriac region
inferior to diaphragm
lateral and posterior to the stomach
Why does the spleen have depressions and what are they called?
the depressions are from neighboring organs
- renal depression
- colic depression (left flexure of the colon)
- gastric depression
What does the spleen have that is similar to the lymph nodes?
hilum
efferent vessels
Does the spleen have afferent vessels?
no
What is found in the hilum of the spleen?
splenic vein and artery
What makes up the stroma of the spleen?
capsule
trabeculae
reticular fibers
What makes up the parenchyma of the spleen?
red and white pulp
This contains lymphoid follicles with germinal centers just like lymph nodes.
white pulp
This is another location where antigen comes in contact with white blood cells.
white pulp
venous sinuses and sinusoids (very porous capillaries) are filled with blood and splenic cords that are rich in macrophages
red pulp
What are the 4 functions of the spleen (brief)?
- macrophage break down
- platelet/iron storage
- antigen encounters
- RBC production
functions of the spleen:
What happens with macrophages?
macrophages break down worn out red blood cells (acts as a blood filter)
functions of the spleen:
What is stored?
platelets and iron
