The spleen acts as a filter for blood, removes old red blood cells and produces and stores white blood cells. It is located in the upper left part of the abdomen, protected by the rib cage. Though not vital for survival, the spleen is important for fighting infection as it helps remove damaged blood cells and produces immune cells.

1. SPLEEN Maria A Gomez

2. Spleen is an important internal organ that is on average not larger than the size of a fist. It’s part of the circulatory system. It acts as a filter for blood. Not vital for human survival. What is a SPLEEN?

4. The spleen removes old red blood cells (erythrocytes) from the blood supply. Also removes, stores and produces white blood cells (lymphocytes). FUNCTIONS

5. The spleen is located in the upper-left part of the abdomen. It’s protected by the rib cage. WHERE IS THE SPLEEN LOCATED

7. Red and pulpy The red pulp consist of blood vessels. (The red pulp filters the blood) Average of 12 cm long, 7cm high and 4 cm thick. Average weight (normal adult spleen) 0.44 lbs. Characteristics

8. ABNORMALITIES ENLARGED SPLEEN SICKLE CELL DISEASE THROMBOCYTOPENIA SPLEEN CONDITIONS

9. A doctor can tell if a spleen is enlarged by pressing hard on the belly under the rib cage. UNTRASOUND MRI BONE MARROW BIOPSY LIVER AND SPLEEN SCAN CT SCAN SPLEEN EXAMINATION

11. Sometimes splenectomy is required due to a rupture caused by injury or if damaged due to a disease. Although you could survive without a spleen, it decreases the ability to fight infections. Other organs (liver) will take over some of the functions. Spleen removal

12. McDowell, Julie (2004). The Lymphatic System WEB MD Spleen= Retrieved June 11, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-spleen References