Perhaps the most underrated organ in whole of human body is the Spleen. Why shouldn’t it be? It is one organ that is dispensable. Yes, it can be completely removed and still the human body can function perfectly. This happens because some other part of the body can just pick up the function of spleen in its absence and we can barely feel the absence of this organ. This however doesn’t mean that spleen has no important role to play. In this article on spleen facts, we are going to learn a few things about this organ such as the location of the organ, shape of the organ, functions of the organ, the body system where it fits in, diseases related to spleen etc. So, without further ado, let us begin…
Interesting Spleen Facts: 1-5 | Location of Spleen
1. Spleen is an organ of the lymphatic system of our body. The lymphatic system is responsible for aiding the immune system in the fight against infections. The lymphatic system also helps to maintain the fluid balance of the body.
2. Spleen is found in all vertebrates.
3. As far as position of spleen in human body is concerned, it is located in the upper left part of our abdomen. In particular, it is located to the left side of our stomach.
4. You really cannot feel the spleen using your hands simply because it remains tucked inside the rib cage. However, if the spleen gets abnormally enlarged, it can be easily felt from outside.
5. To be extremely specific, the 9th rib to 12th rib actually keep the spleen protected.
Interesting Spleen Facts: 6-10 | Shape, Size and Color of Spleen
6. It is the largest organ in our lymphatic system. It is around 4 to 5 inches long. The size of the spleen can vary from individual to individual.
7. The weight of the organ is around 6 ounces or 170.097 grams. This weight may differ depending on the size of the spleen in different individuals.
8. Located between the stomach’s fundus and our diaphragm, the spleen remains connected with the left kidney with the help of a small ligament.
9. In case you are wondering about the shape of the spleen, some people say that it is shoe-shaped while some others say that it is fist-shaped. You can call it whatever you want.
10. Wondering what is the color of the organ? Well, it is purple in color.
Interesting Spleen Facts: 11-15 | Structure of Spleen
11. The side of the spleen that faces the diaphragm has a smooth surface and a convex shape.
12. The other side of the spleen is not smooth. This other side is divided into two regions using a ridge.
13. The two regions are known as the:
- Posterior renal portion.
- Anterior gastric portion.
14. The anterior gastric portion’s surface is directed both upward and forward. Near the middle, the surface of this portion becomes broad and assumes a concave shape to eventually come in contact with stomach’s posterior wall.
15. The posterior renal portion’s surface has a downward and medialward (in the direction of the median plane of a body, that is, towards the midpoint or middle) direction. Compared to anterior gastric portion’s surface, this surface is narrower and is somewhat flattened. This posterior renal portion remains connected the left kidney’s anterior surface.
Interesting Spleen Facts: 16-20 | Blood Supply of Spleen
16. The side of the spleen which doesn’t face the diaphragm has a long, centrally running fissure. This fissure is known as the hilum.
17. This hilum is the point here the gastrosplenic ligament attaches with the spleen. This gastrosplenic ligament connects the stomach’s greater curvature with the hilum of the spleen.
18. The hilum of the spleen is also place where the splenic vein and splenic artery enters the spleen. The splenic vein drains blood from spleen while the splenic artery supplies oxygenated blood to the spleen.
19. Apart from this, the hilum also has various other openings that are meant for nerves and various lymphatic vessels.
20. Spleen receives blood from splenic artery as wells as short gastric arteries (these are small arteries that branch out from end of the splenic artery).
Interesting Spleen Facts: 21-25 | Functions of Spleen
21. In fetal life, that is before the baby is born, the spleen plays an important role of producing the red blood cells for the baby. However, before the birth actually takes places, the spleen stops producing the red blood cells at one stage (to be specific, after the 5th month of gestation is completed) and hands over the job to the bone marrow.
22. One important function of the spleen is to get rid of abnormal or dysfunctional red blood cells. These abnormal or old blood cells are broken down inside the spleen and the iron extracted from it is recycled for manufacturing of new and healthy red blood cells.
23. The spleen is known for producing and storing lymphocytes and macrophages. These are special types of white blood cells. When needed these cells are sent to other parts of the body.
24. The spleen is known for keeping a cache of monocytes. Monocytes are special immune cells that are known for fighting infections. When required, the spleen can release these monocytes into the blood stream.
25. The spleen is one of the locations through which the lymph passes. It is a type of fluid present in our body and is completely different from our blood. As the lymph passes through the spleen, the white blood cells present in the spleen capture the foreign bodies and germs.
Interesting Spleen Facts: 25-30 | Functions of Spleen
26. The spleen is also known for producing special types of chemicals known as antibodies. These antibodies are required for fighting off infections.
27. The spleen in human body is known for storing up to 240 ml of red blood cells. In cases of hypoxia (it is a condition in which certain parts of the body can be deprived of oxygen supply) and hypovolemia (a condition in which the blood plasma volume decreases), the stored red blood cells are released from spleen.
28. At any given point in time, nearly a quarter of lymphocytes are stored in the spleen.
29. Spleen is also responsible for clearing out old platelets from the circulation. In case you are not aware, platelets are components of blood which help in blood clotting during injury of blood vessels. Platelets clump together to initiate clotting.
30. Finally, spleen also holds a cache of these platelets and releases them whenever necessary.
Interesting Spleen Facts: 31-35 | Conditions of the Spleen
31. Splenomegaly or Enlarged Spleen is a condition where the spleen can simply become too large. This can be caused by various conditions such as leukemia and lymphoma (both are types of blood cancers), liver disease etc.
32. Sickle cell disease can impact spleen where blood flow is blocked to the spleen thereby damaging the spleen. Blood flow can be blocked by abnormal red blood cells that block blood flow through vessels.
33. Ruptured spleen is yet another condition in which the spleen can get ruptured because of an accident. Ruptured spleen can lead to abnormal internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. During a trauma, the spleen can initially get an injury and rupture later after some days or some weeks.
34. Thrombocytopenia, which is a condition of low platelet count, can be caused by splenomegaly or enlarged spleen. The enlarged spleen can actually store abnormally high amounts of platelets that are meant to be circulated across the body through the blood stream.
35. Spleen deflation is yet another condition in which the spleen volume can undergo 40% reduction. This can be caused because of inhalation of hypoxic gas or because of strenuous exercise.
Interesting Spleen Facts: 36-40 | Spleen Fun Facts
36. Did you know that some people have an extra spleen? It is known as Accessory Spleen. This accessory spleen is sometimes confused as a tumor. However, it poses absolutely no threat.
37. Ancient Greek is the source of the word Spleen.
38. In the past, spleen was actually associated with various, emotions and characteristics such as spitefulness, melancholy, bad temper, general liveliness and sometimes, explosive wit.
39. Shakespeare, in the 17th century actually used many quotes using the spleen. One such quote is ‘Spleeny Lutheran’. Addison, in the 18th century wrote, ‘touchy testy pleasant fellow with so much Wit, Mirth and Spleen’.
40. In late 19th century, W.S. Gilbert in his opera wrote: ‘… a sentimental passion of a vegetable fashion must excite your languid spleen’.
That concludes our spleen facts. In case you thing we missed something important or we made a mistake somewhere, feel free to drop a message.