The Spleen Flashcards
What is the bodies Reticuloendothelial system (RE)?
All cells and tissues that exhibit phagocytosis
What is the Reticuloendothelial system’s function?
One of the body’s major defense systems against infection
RE cells also have other functions besides defense depending on what?
The organ in which they are located
What is hematopoiesis?
Formation of blood cells
Where does hematopoiesis happen in the fetus? 3
Spine, liver and bone marrow
Where does Hematopoiesis happen post Nataly?
Bone marrow
What is included in the RE system? 5
- Brain
- Blood
- Spleen, liver and thymus
- Bone marrow
- Lymph nodes
What is the composition of blood?
Comprised of RBC’s (erythrocytes), WBCs (leukocytes), platelets (thrombocytes) and plasma
What is the main role of Leukocytes?
Immunity
What happens to leukocytes in the presence of a infection?
They increase
What happens to decrease WBC? 3
Drug/ chemical toxicity, viral infection
There are how many different types of WBCs?
5
What is the immune response? 3
- recognition of substance. Body determines whether or not it is alien
- If alien, the body produces antibodies or antitoxins
- The body produces memory cells should the alien substance be encountered again
What are humoral?
Antibodies (gamma globulins) which are liberated into the plasma by committed lymphocytes
What is cell mediated immune response? 3 (How it is done)
Done in three ways
1. Lymphocytes produces antitoxins that are retained within the lymphocytes cell
2. Lymphocyte attaches itself to the antigen and secretes the antitoxin
3. Both antigen and lymphocyte die and are absorbed
What is the largest unit of the RE system?
The Spleen
What is the main role of the spleen?
Body defense mechanism
Is it easy to scan the spleen?
Nope
When does the Spleen develop?
5th week of gestation
What does the spleen arise from?
Mesoderm
When does hematopoesis start at postpartum?
~11 weeks ends shortly after birth
What area of the peritoneum is the spleen located in? Is it an encapsulated structure? What section of the abdomen is it located in? What area of the ribs is it located by? and what is it anchoured down by?
- Intraperitoneal
- Encapsulated
- Left hypochondrium
- Long axis of the 10th rib
- Anchored by gastrosplenic splenorenal, and phrenocolic ligament
Where is the spleen in relation to the diaphragm?
Superior/ lateral/ Posterior
What is the organs/structures is the spleen medial to? 3
- Stomach
- Tail of pancreas
- splenic flexure of the left kidney