Where is the spleen located in the body?

Understanding a Bruised Spleen A bruise (contusion) is a type of injury. It occurs when small blood vessels break open and leak blood into nearby tissues. The spleen is a small organ located in the upper left part of the belly (abdomen).

Is the spleen part of the rib cage?

As it lies deep within the rib cage, the spleen is generally not palpable except in particularly slender individuals or if it is pathologically enlarged ( ). It is supplied by the . The lymphatics drain into the . The spleen receives its respectively. The spleen is composed of the and the red pulp, which are separated by the marginal zone.

Where does the deoxygenated blood go after leaving the spleen?

Splenic vein. Formerly the lienal vein, the splenic vein services the spleen. It drains deoxygenated blood away from the spleen to a junction with the superior mesenteric vein. As a result, the hepatic portal vein is formed. From there, deoxygenated blood ultimately travels to the inferior vena cava and to the heart,…

What causes pain at the base of the spleen?

Other Causes of Spleen Pain 1 Splenic abscess. 2 Splenic fistulas. 3 Hypersplenism.

Spleen. It is positioned in the left upper abdomen, and is the largest organ of the lymphatic system. The spleen serves a critical role in immune function because it purifies the blood and helps the immune system to recognize and attack foreign pathogens and allergens.

How are white blood cells stored in the spleen?

Your spleen: Filters out and destroys old, damaged blood cells Prevents infection by producing white blood cells (lymphocytes) and acting as a first line of defense against disease-causing organisms Stores red blood cells and platelets, which help your blood clot

Are there any diseases that cause wandering spleen?

Wandering spleen has been reported in prune-belly syndrome and in cases of diseases causing splenic enlargement, such as splenic cysts, malaria, Hodgkin’s disease, and lymphangioma. The clinical presentation of wandering spleen is variable.

What causes the spleen to be enlarged on the left side?

A number of conditions, including liver disease and some cancers, can cause your spleen to become enlarged. Your spleen is an organ located just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen, also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee).

Can a spleen be palpated below the costal margin?

When enlarged and extending below the costal margin, the spleen can be palpated on the anterolateral aspect of the abdomen and the superficially lying notched border makes it clearly discernible. However, as mentioned below under the causes of spleen pain, mild to moderate splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) rarely causes spleen pain.

How are red blood cells stored in the spleen?

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.

Why is the spleen protected by the rib cage?

Because the spleen is protected by the rib cage, you 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.

Is the spleen a visceral organ or an intraperitoneal organ?

The spleen is an intraperitoneal organ, so all of its surfaces are covered with visceral peritoneum. Only the hilum of the spleen, the site through which the splenic artery and vein pass, is peritoneum-free. Organs near to the spleen leave their impressions on its surfaces which, together with spleen borders, can easily be observed and described.

Where are the three areas of impression found in the spleen?

Medial surface of the spleen shows three areas of impression. The colic area is the impression of the left colic flexure, the gastric area is the impression of the stomach, and the renal area is the impression of the left kidney. The splenic hilum is found in the central part of this surface.

Where are the myoepithelial cells located in the spleen?

Numerous septa called trabeculae extend from the dense irregular fibroelastic connective tissue of the capsule into the parenchyma of the spleen. Both the capsule and trabeculae contain myoepithelial cells which have the ability to contract.