Spleen : Parts of the body

                                                     


The spleen is an organ in the upper far left part of the abdomen, to the left of the stomach. 

The spleen varies in size and shape between people, but it’s commonly fist-shaped, purple, 

and about 4 inches long. Because the spleen is protected by the rib cage, one can’t easily 

feel it unless it’s abnormally enlarged.

The spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body. It acts as a filter for blood as part of 

the immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white 

blood cells are stored there. The spleen also helps fight certain kinds of bacteria that cause 

pneumonia and meningitis.

                                          Enlarged spleen (Splenomegaly)

 An enlarged spleen, usually caused by viral mononucleosis (“mono”), liver disease, blood 

cancers (lymphoma and leukemia), or other conditions.

By pressing on the belly under the left ribcage, a doctor can feel an enlarged spleen. He or 

she can also look for other signs of illnesses that cause splenomegaly.

A probe is placed on the belly, and harmless sound waves create images by reflecting off the 

spleen and other organs. Splenomegaly can be detected by ultrasound.

A needle is inserted into a large bone (such as the pelvis) and a sample of bone marrow is 

taken out. Leukemia or lymphoma, which cause splenomegaly, are sometimes diagnosed by 

bone marrow biopsy.

                                       Ruptured spleen 

The spleen is vulnerable to injury, and a ruptured spleen can cause serious life-threatening 

internal bleeding and is a life-threatening emergency. An injured spleen may 

rupture immediately after an injury, or in some cases, days or weeks after an injury.

                                                 Sickle Cell Disease

In this inherited form of anemia, abnormal red blood cells block the flow of blood through 

vessels and can lead to organ damage, including damage to the spleen. 

People with sickle cell disease need immunizations to prevent illnesses .

                             Thrombocytopenia :  (low platelet count)

An enlarged spleen sometimes stores excessive numbers of the body’s platelets. 

Splenomegaly can result in abnormally few platelets circulating in the bloodstream where 

they belong.

                                                         Accessory spleen

About 10% of people have a small extra spleen. This causes no problems and is considered 

normal.

                                                       Spleen treatments.

Splenectomy : The spleen is removed by surgery, either through laparoscopy (multiple small 

incisions) or laparotomy (one large incision).  After spleen removal, it’s important to get 

vaccinations against certain bacteria, such as H. influenza and S. pneumonia. An absent 

spleen increases vulnerability to these infections.

Technically, people can live with no kidneys, but require dialysis.The spleen can be 

removed if, for instance, it's damaged. However, people without a spleen are more prone 

to infections. 

                                                   What foods heal spleen?

Consume mostly organic vegetables, sauteed or lightly cooked, grains like rice oats and 

quinoa, cherries, coconut dates, figs, grapes and mushroom.

Do not eat raw and cold foods.

Certain organs are related to emotional activities, i.e. the heart is related to joy, the 

liver to anger, the spleen to pensiveness, the lungs to anxiety and the kidneys to fear.

                                                           News 

The World leaders, the Fourth Estate, Social Media and common citizens have vented 

their spleen on the blasts in the tiny island of neighboring Sri Lanka .

                                  I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. 

Information courtesy Google.

Day 1. Arms : Parts of the body         Day 2. breasts : Parts of the body

Day 3.Chin & Cheeks                 Day 4. Dimples 

Day 5. Eye                                        Day 6. Feet

Day 7 . Gums/Gingiva                       Day 8. Hair 

Day 9. Intestine                                Day 10. Jaws                                   

Day 11. Kidneys                                Day 12. Lungs

Day 13. Mouth                                  Day 14. Nails 

Day 15. Ovary                                      Day 16. Pituitary-gland

Day 17.  Quadriceps                             Day 17.  Ribs                            

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