Spleen (anatomy)

alt=3D medical animation still showing structure of as well as location of the spleen in human body|thumb|A 3D medical animation still of spleen structure and exact location

A splenectomy is the surgical procedure that partially or completely removes the spleen. The spleen is an important organ in regard to immunological function due to its ability to efficiently destroy encapsulated bacteria. Therefore, removal of the spleen runs the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection, a medical emergency and rapidly fatal disease caused by the inability of the body's immune system to properly fight infection following splenectomy or asplenia.

Accessory spleen is usually found in the omentum

rupture of spleen

Splenosis is the result of spleen tissue breaking off the main organ and implanting at another site inside the body. This is called heterotopic autotransplantation of the spleen. It most commonly occurs as a result of traumatic splenic rupture or abdominal surgery. Depending on the location of the spleen, the new piece usually implants in another part of the abdominal cavity (including the pelvic cavity). Single case reports also describe splenosis in the thoracic cavity, in subcutaneous tissue, in the liver or in the cranial cavity. Splenosis must be distinguished from the presence of additio

tissue in the spleen

medical condition

Transfer of spleen or its fragments from one individual to another

tissue in the spleen

The spleen is the body’s largest blood filter, performing important functions within the lymphatic system and serving as the most important organ for immune function. Splenocytes are important components of this lymphatic system, consisting of all immune cells that reside within the spleen. The biggest difference between splenocytes and immune cells in other lymphatic organs is the fact that the spleen filters blood, not lymph. They are, therefore, able to protect the body from invaders in ways that the lymphatic system cannot.