What does the spleen do? (3 functions)

What does the spleen do? (3 functions)

In this article we will describe what does the spleen do.

The spleen is a highly specialised and important organ that plays a critical role in the body’s immune system, and removal and storage of blood. It has 3 main functions.

1. Blood filter – the spleen filters and removes old or damaged red blood cells (as well as other foreign particles, such as bacteria and viruses).

2. Blood reservoir – it also serves as a reservoir for blood; storing a reserve that can be released into the bloodstream in case of injury or other emergency.

3. Antibody production. The spleen also plays a vital role in the body’s immune system, by producing antibodies. These are proteins that help the immune system identify and neutralise foreign invaders (e.g. germs like bacteria) in the body.

Here are some more facts about the spleen.

Anatomy

The spleen is an organ located in the upper left abdomen, near the stomach and behind the left side of the ribcage. It is 12 cm long (same length as a kidney), 5 cm thick, and 7 cm wide. It weighs about 150g (again, same as a kidney).

You cannot feel a patient’s spleen, unless it had enlarged 2-3x normal size.

Anatomy of spleen

Two parts of a spleen

There are two parts of the spleen. They each do different jobs.

• Red pulp – this acts like a filter. It removes waste from the blood and gets rid of old or damaged blood cells. Red pulp also destroys bacteria and viruses.
• White pulp – as part of the immune system, the white pulp produces white blood cells. These blood cells make antibodies. Antibodies fight infection.

Red and white pulps

Splenomegaly

In some conditions, the spleen can become enlarged, which is known as splenomegaly. This can occur due to a many reasons, including infection, inflammation, or cancer. Here are some of them

• Blood cancers, such as leukaemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cancer in other parts of the body that metastasise (spread) to the spleen
• Certain types of anaemia, including haemolytic anaemias (like sickle cell disease)
• Cystic fibrosis (CF)
• Infections, including infectious mononucleosis, syphilis, malaria and infective endocarditis
• Liver problems, including cirrhosis
• Inherited metabolic disorders, such as Gaucher disease
• Inflammatory diseases, including sarcoidosis
• Protein disorders like amyloidosis.

Splenectomy

In rare cases, the spleen may need to be surgically removed, a procedure known as a splenectomy. This may be necessary if the spleen has become enlarged or damaged to the point that it is causing other health problems.

Laparoscopy

Most operations to remove spleens are carried out using keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). This allows a surgeon to get inside your tummy (abdomen) to your spleen without having to make a large cut.

This means you will have less scarring, and will recover from the operation more quickly. But you will still need a general anaesthetic.

Can you live without a spleen?

Yes. Although the spleen does many important jobs in the body, it is possible to live without one. Also, rarely, some people are born without a spleen.

Sometimes, doctors will remove the spleen (splenectomy) because it’s damaged or diseased. Without the spleen, the liver takes over many of the spleen’s duties.

Splenectomy is also a treatment for different types of thrombocytopenia, including immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). These disorders cause low platelet levels in the body. Platelets are blood cells that help your blood clot.

What are the complications of a damaged or missing spleen?

People who live without a spleen have a higher risk of infection. People who also have other conditions that affect the immune system (such as cancer, HIV or being on chemotherapy) are at a higher risk of infection.

There are things you can do. You should stay up-to-date on vaccinations. You also may need daily antibiotics to prevent a bacterial infection. Ask your doctor.

Carry medical ID

Carry or wear some medical ID (like a MedicAlert bracelet) , if your spleen is removed. If you need help or emergency treatment, your medical ID will alert staff to your condition.

Summary

We have explained what does the spleen do, and its 3 functions. And we have given you more facts about the spleen. We hope you understand it better now.