The Spleen
RUNNING HEAD: SPLEEN 1
Spleen
BIOL 2320
USU-Easter
Sydney Lyman
June 3, 2013
Spleen 2
Spleen
Acting as a filter of blood and harmful organisms, as well as breaking down blood cells, the spleen carries many responsibilities in the human body. Located in the upper left side of the abdomen, next to the stomach, the spleen is neatly tucked in between the pancreas, stomach, and left kidney (Laparoscopic, 2013).The spleen is typically around 4 inches long and has a color scheme of purple-reddish. Although the size and weight vary according to age, the spleen is not palpable (Pai, 2012). The spleen has a very peculiar shape that accommodates to surrounding organs. The spleen (of course) has anterior and posterior ends; these two ends are shaped differently in order for other organs to be connected by blood vessels, and in order to sit comfortably. The anterior end acts like a border; it’s guided to attain the midaxillary line. While the posterior end is opposite from the anterior: it displays a more rounded look, and lies on the upper pole of the left kidney (Pai, 2012).
The spleen is vital in the fetal stage of life. While in development, the red pulp can perform as bone marrow (Kenny, 2012) meaning the spleen can produce red blood cells, though only for a short amount of time before the bone marrow takes over the responsibility. It is known that the spleen can start this production again if the body suffers from disease such as chronic myeloid leukemia or myelosclerosis (Pai, 2012).
Even as while red pulp acts as a temporary bone marrow factory for the fetus, it still functions well beyond that point. Red pulp is where the spleen stores 3 extra blood in case of severe injury to the body. The high amount of platelets in this tissue is beneficial to the body because it has coagulation factors that help stop bleeding (Laparoscopic, 2013). Not only does it contain platelets, but the red pulp also contains
Spleen
BIOL 2320
USU-Easter
Sydney Lyman
June 3, 2013
Spleen 2
Spleen
Acting as a filter of blood and harmful organisms, as well as breaking down blood cells, the spleen carries many responsibilities in the human body. Located in the upper left side of the abdomen, next to the stomach, the spleen is neatly tucked in between the pancreas, stomach, and left kidney (Laparoscopic, 2013).The spleen is typically around 4 inches long and has a color scheme of purple-reddish. Although the size and weight vary according to age, the spleen is not palpable (Pai, 2012). The spleen has a very peculiar shape that accommodates to surrounding organs. The spleen (of course) has anterior and posterior ends; these two ends are shaped differently in order for other organs to be connected by blood vessels, and in order to sit comfortably. The anterior end acts like a border; it’s guided to attain the midaxillary line. While the posterior end is opposite from the anterior: it displays a more rounded look, and lies on the upper pole of the left kidney (Pai, 2012).
The spleen is vital in the fetal stage of life. While in development, the red pulp can perform as bone marrow (Kenny, 2012) meaning the spleen can produce red blood cells, though only for a short amount of time before the bone marrow takes over the responsibility. It is known that the spleen can start this production again if the body suffers from disease such as chronic myeloid leukemia or myelosclerosis (Pai, 2012).
Even as while red pulp acts as a temporary bone marrow factory for the fetus, it still functions well beyond that point. Red pulp is where the spleen stores 3 extra blood in case of severe injury to the body. The high amount of platelets in this tissue is beneficial to the body because it has coagulation factors that help stop bleeding (Laparoscopic, 2013). Not only does it contain platelets, but the red pulp also contains
References: John Hopkin Medicine, sickle cell disease. Retrieved June 2, 2013 from: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/hematology_and_blood_disorders/sickle_cell_disease_85,P00101/ Kenny, T, (October 16, 2012) The Spleen. Retrieved June 2, 2013 from: http://www.patient.co.uk/health/the-spleen Laparoscopic.md, (2013) The spleen and its role in immune function. Retrieved June 2, 2013 from: http://laparoscopic.md/digestion/spleen Mayo Clinic Staff, (November 11, 2010) Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). Retrieved June 2, 2013 from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/enlarged-spleen/DS00871 Pai, A, (September 28, 2012) Spleen anatomy. Retrieved June 3, 2013 from: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1948863-overview#showall Shiel, W.C. (2013) Sickle cell anemia. Retrieved June 3, 2013 from: http://www.medicinenet.com/sickle_cell/article.htm WebMD (2009) The spleen. Retrieved June 2, 2013 from: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/splenectomy