Why do we have a spleen?

Answer 1

Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, which is an organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen acts in the natural resistance to infection.

Splenectomies are performed for a variety of different reasons and with different degrees of urgency. Most splenectomies are done after the patient has been diagnosed with hypersplenism. Hypersplenism is not a specific disease but a group of symptoms, or syndrome, that can be produced by a number of different disorders. It is characterized by enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly), defects in the blood cells, and an abnormally high turnover of blood cells. It is almost always associated with splenomegaly caused by specific disorders such as cirrhosis of the liver or certain cancers. The decision to perform a splenectomy depends on the severity and prognosis of the disease that is causing the hypersplenism.

There was a time when the spleen was thought to be inessential to health (like the appendix). Now it is known that people without spleens have a greater risk of severe infection than people with normal spleens. Therefore, doctors try not to remove the spleen unless a splenectomy is either life-saving after injury, or very important in the treatment of a disease that involves the spleen.

Answer 2

The spleen regulates the body's immune system. If it becomes ruptured (damaged by trauma, or inflammation from infection) it may produce severe internal bleeding which is very dangerous. Therefore, it may need to be removed in an emergency.

Answer 3

Splenectomies are performed for. hypersplenism. primary cancers of the spleen. hereditary spherocytosis. Immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). traumatic injury to the spleen. Hereditary elliptocytosis.

Answer 4

Functions of the spleen include:
1.Defense: (macrophages lining sinusoids of spleen remove microorganisms from blood and phagocytize them).

2. Hematopoiesis: monocytes and lymphocytes complete their development in the spleen.

3. Red blood cell and platelet destruction: macrophages remove worn-out RBCs and imperfect platelets and destroy them by phagocytosis and also salvage iron and globin from the destroyed RBCs.

4. Blood reservoir —pulp of spleen and its sinuses store extra blood. You may feel the spleen as a stich in your side when it squeezes extra blood out.
5. Not necessary for life.

Answer 5

Serious blood problems! I have a frind who has had that done and she died of serious blood problems!!

Answer 6

Yes. A person can live without part or all of the spleen. It is somewhat important in fighting off infections.

Answer 7

THAT YOU DON'T HAVE ONE ANYMORE