The spleen: information & spleen specialists

Leading Medicine Guide Editors
Author
Leading Medicine Guide Editors

The spleen performs important tasks in the immune system. It is also responsible for excreting used blood components. If the spleen is injured or severely diseased, a person can live without the organ if the body's defenses are subsequently weakened.

Here you will find further information as well as selected spleen specialists and centers.

Article overview

Definition and structure of the spleen

The spleen is a small bean-shaped organ that performs important tasks in the human immune system. It is also part of the lymphatic system.

Size of the spleen: It is on average ten to eleven centimetres long, six to seven centimetres wide and four centimetres thick. The spleen weighs around 150 to 200 grams, has a soft structure and is reddish to blue-violet in color.

Location of the spleen: The organ is located in the area of the left upper abdomen below the diaphragm at the level of the tenth rib. Unlike many other organs, the spleen cannot usually be felt from the outside.

Anatomie Milz
The appearance and structure of the spleen © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock

The spleen is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue(tunica fibrosa). It protects the soft interior from injury. The costal arch provides further mechanical protection.

The spleen is also equipped with ligaments made of connective tissue. They connect the spleen with its neighboring organs,

The spleen tissue consists of

  • the red splenic pulp (lat.: pulpa = flesh) and
  • the white splenic pulp

are distinguished from each other.

The red pulp consists of blood vessels and immune system cells and makes up around 80 percent of the spleen. The white pulp is embedded in the red pulp and consists of tiny white splenic nodules. They contain lymph follicles (Latin: folliculus = sheath).

Functions of the spleen

The spleen has an essential function in the body's immune defense as a filtering system of the blood system.

The red splenic pulp excretes used erythrocytes (red blood cells) and thrombocytes (blood platelets).

The white splenic pulp matures the lymphocytes (cell components) within the leukocytes (white blood cells). It is also responsible for storing them. The lymphocytes are significantly involved in the complex processes of disease defense. In addition, so-called immunoglobulins are formed, which are released into the blood in the event of an infection.

Another function of the spleen is to store blood. It is released when required, for example in the context of bleeding.

Before birth and - to a lesser extent - in the first six years of life, the spleen is also centrally involved in the production of red blood cells. After that, production ceases because the bone marrow is responsible for hematopoiesis later in life.

However, in the case of diseases that affect the bone marrow, the spleen is able to produce blood again at a later age.

Special features: Secondary spleens

Around 15 percent of people have an organic peculiarity, so-called secondary spleens. They develop as a result of cell dispersion during the embryonic period. In most cases, secondary spleens are discovered as an incidental finding during an ultrasound examination of the abdominal area.

The structure corresponds to that of the spleen. Accordingly, secondary spleens also consist of a white and a red pulp. If the secondary spleens are located near the spleen itself, they are easily recognizable. They are usually around one to four centimeters in size. On the other hand, secondary spleens located far from the spleen are often permanently overlooked.

In most cases, such findings are ignored and do not require treatment. The secondary spleens do not represent any impairment.

However, in some patients with previous oncological or hematological disease, they often simulate tumors or metastases. In this case, further examination and treatment is required.

If secondary spleens are found during a splenectomy, they must always be removed at the same time.

Diseases of the spleen

Spleen diseases caused by internal injuries

A disease often announces itself through specific spleen pain. Those affected usually do not know how to interpret the pain, as it occurs in different places. They are therefore not usually associated with the spleen.

Pain that can be localized below the left costal arch, for example, indicates an enlarged spleen. The swelling is due to either a viral or bacterial infection.

In the case of splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), the immune system works harder to fight off the pathogens. This activity results in swelling of the spleen.

The cause of the disease is always treated. Medication is often used as a therapeutic measure.

Another cause of the enlargement is a spleen tumor or a metabolic disorder.

A spleen infarction is possible if the blood supply is severely impaired. In this case, a vascular occlusion occurs in the immediate area of the spleen, usually in the splenic artery or also in the artery.

If the spleen infarction is only partial, the disease can be easily cured. In the case of a complete infarction, the only option is often to remove the spleen (splenectomy).

If spleen function is impaired, a balanced and low-stress diet is considered helpful. This includes foods that are as natural as possible and a good supply of vitamins and minerals.

Spleen diseases caused by external injuries

Spleen pain is also possible with external injuries, for example caused by an accident. If the pain is felt in the left shoulder area or on the left side of the neck, a rupturedspleen is often the cause.

External force in the form of a blow to the abdomen or a kick can also cause a ruptured spleen. Rib fractures are also among the triggers.

As far as possible, attempts are always made to preserve the spleen after an accident. As the organ has very soft tissue, it is also well supplied with blood in its entirety. In the event of a rupture, considerable bleeding is quickly possible.

Delayed bleeding into the abdominal cavity, which can occur days later depending on the type of injury, is problematic. The better the control of bleeding after an accident, the greater the likelihood of spleen-preserving therapy.

Also favorable for the course of the disease is

  • a young age and
  • good anatomical conditions (e.g. not significantly overweight).

Life after the loss of the spleen

The spleen is fundamentally important for the intact functioning of the body. After the loss of the spleen, the body is able to take over certain functions.

This is helped by

  • Organs of the lymphatic system,
  • the liver and
  • the red bone marrow.

Even if those affected lead a largely normal life, the risk of infectious diseases is significantly increased. Vaccinations are essential for people without a spleen.

This includes the pneumococcal vaccination in particular. Pneumococci are bacteria that can cause various diseases. Signs of illness, such as fever or unusual fatigue, should also be clarified by a doctor. The doctor treating you should always be informed about the missing spleen to make it easier to take the right therapeutic measures.

Basically, a person living without a spleen has a distinctly weak defense against bacteria. If an infection is not adequately diagnosed, a dangerous sepsis may result in an emergency.

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