Where is the spleen located and what is it responsible for? How and why can an organ hurt? What important functions does the spleen perform in the body? What is it responsible for in the body?

If you ask an ordinary person what, in his opinion, is the strangest and most mysterious organ, the spleen, there will be a thoughtful answer. Most people who are not related to medicine cannot formulate why it is still needed. To dispel doubts and clarify the functions of this undoubtedly important organ, we decided to take a short excursion into the anatomy and physiology of the body.

Structure

The human spleen is an unpaired organ consisting of a pulp supported by a dense capsule of connective tissue. From the walls of the capsule, cords (trabeculae) extend deep into the organ, which strengthen the soft parenchyma. Histologically, two layers, or zones, of this organ are distinguished: red and white.

The bulk of the organ is red pulp. It depends on it in the body. To be precise, such a small piece of the human body is faced with many tasks: from the maturation of blood cells to the disposal of foreign particles.

The white part of the pulp has this color due to the high content of lymphocytes in it. Actually, this determines the main direction of activity of this part of the parenchyma - maintaining immunity.

At the border of the red and white matter there is a marginal or edge zone; it is responsible for identifying and eliminating foreign bacteria in the human body.

The size of the spleen in an adult reaches sixteen centimeters in length, six in height and two and a half in thickness. It has the shape of a flattened oval.

Location (topography)

If we take the spine as a guide, then the boundaries of the spleen will be in the range from the ninth to the eleventh rib. Above it is the diaphragm, in front is the posterior wall of the stomach and pancreas, on the side is the large intestine, and behind is the left kidney and adrenal gland. The peritoneum (a thin sheet of connective tissue), the spleen is completely covered, but at the point of entry and exit of blood vessels from the organ (portal area), if there is a small area free from the peritoneum.

Blood supply and innervation

The structure of the spleen will be incomplete without mentioning such important anatomical features as the vessels and nerves that supply this organ. is represented in this area by branches (vegetative part) - it is responsible for performing the functions of the organ, and fibers extending from the splenic plexus (sympathetic part), which transmit pain, proprioceptive and other impulses.

The human spleen is supplied with blood by arteries arising from the abdominal aorta. They, in turn, are divided into splenic branches, and those into segmental arteries. Then another branching occurs at the level of the trabeculae and the formation of small pulpal arteries.

From the spleen, blood returns to the system. It is connected directly to the portal of the liver.

Embryogenesis

In the fourth or fifth week after conception, when the embryo is an elongated tube consisting of several tissue sheets, the formation of the spleen rudiment occurs. But by the eleventh week of intrauterine life of the fetus, the organ takes on its normal appearance, and processes of accumulation of cells of future lymphoid tissue take place in it.

The size of the spleen, as well as its functions after the birth of a child, change over time. Only upon reaching adolescence is it finally formed.

Functions

It cannot be said that each of us has thought about the question: “What function does the spleen perform in the body?” And even if such a thought did come to mind, it is very difficult to explain the work of this organ to a person who does not have specific knowledge.

It is primarily a source of white blood cells. It is here that they go through the stages of differentiation, mature and enter the vascular bed. The second function of the spleen in the body is immune. It synthesizes antibodies to any foreign agents that enter the blood. The third, no less important part of the work of this organ is the destruction of old blood cells and, indirectly, the formation of bile. In addition, this function of the spleen in the body is part of metabolic processes and iron synthesis.

It is worth noting the role this organ plays in the processes of blood redistribution. Almost a third of all platelets (blood platelets) are stored in the spleen until the moment the body needs them. Another function of the spleen concerns the period of intrauterine development of the child. When the bone marrow is not yet formed, it is thanks to it that red and white blood cells move through the vessels of the embryo.

The functions of the spleen in the body remain a mystery to modern doctors. Some of them can be explored, but much remains a mystery. Official science does not provide any definitive answers.

Spleen diseases

Oddly enough, along with its mystery, this organ also received vulnerability to various pathological processes. As a rule, these are secondary diseases caused by existing health problems, such as impaired hematopoiesis, immune response, or tumors. Primary damage to the spleen is an extremely rare occurrence.

Heart attack

The main function of the spleen in the body is hematopoietic, therefore its parenchyma is penetrated by a huge number of vessels. This circumstance, which in normal situations has a positive effect on the functioning of the organ, can also become a cause of illness. If, for whatever reason, part of the spleen is left without blood supply, its infarction develops. Ischemia of a small area may not cause discomfort, but if a significant part of the organ is damaged, the person feels a nagging pain. It radiates to the lower back and intensifies with inhalation.

Inversion of the leg

Like other parenchymal organs, the spleen has a peduncle consisting of an artery, two veins and a nerve. They are the ones who support adequate nutrition and function. Sometimes, with injuries or sudden weight loss, torsion of the leg occurs. This is a life-threatening condition. Due to the lack of blood supply, necrosis can occur, and decaying tissue releases toxins that poison the human body. The pain in this condition is severe, dagger-like, up to loss of consciousness.

Abscess

This is a focus of inflammation in a parenchymal organ, delimited from the rest of the tissue. Occurs due to a primary or secondary bacterial infection. At first, it may not manifest itself in any way, but over time, the amount of toxins accumulating in the body will lead to the development of fever, nausea, and vomiting. And then the pain will appear. It will spread from the left hypochondrium upward to the same part of the chest and into the shoulder. The location of the pathological process can be determined using ultrasound and x-rays.

Gap

There are two types: capsular and subcapsular. The first can be identified immediately both by the pain symptom and by the characteristic appearance of the person, as well as the circumstances of the injury. Usually this is an accident, a fight or a fall from a height. A subcapsular rupture is not immediately noticeable and creates a feeling of false well-being. If the rupture is small and the bleeding inside the organ quickly stops, then the person will not need medical attention. This section of the spleen will be replaced by connective tissue. But in case of prolonged heavy bleeding, fluid will accumulate under the capsule, stretch it and inevitably lead to rupture of the connective tissue. Infected blood will enter the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis and intra-abdominal bleeding. The pain is intense, sharp, on the left side of the abdomen, radiating to the shoulder blade.

Cyst

People often complain of a constant, dull tugging sensation. It can spread to the stomach, causing discomfort when eating. And the addition of rashes and itching in the area of ​​​​the projection of the spleen prompts people to see a doctor. A cyst is a diagnostic finding detected during an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.

Neoplasms

Benign

Quite rare for the spleen. These may be hemangiomas, lymphomas, endotheliomas or fibromas. They do not cause pain and do not affect the function of the organ. But if for some reason the benign neoplasm has increased in size so much that it begins to stretch the capsule, then dull, constant pain may appear, as with a cyst. In this case, it is better to resort to a prompt solution to the issue without waiting for the organ to rupture.

Malignant

They can be either primary, when the tumor is located directly in the spleen, or secondary, of a metastatic nature. As a rule, sarcomas develop primarily. The richly supplied spleen is an excellent substrate for them. Pain may not appear for many years while the tumor grows, but when it reaches a critical size, a sharp deterioration in health should suggest oncology. In addition to discomfort, weight loss, lack of appetite, and nausea will also be observed.

Splenomegaly

This is an increase in size of the spleen as a result of a compensatory response to systemic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, as well as damage to the hematopoietic organs. It is more often observed in children of preschool and primary school age. In adults, this condition is extremely rare. The pain will be constant, but after the cause is eliminated, everything will return to normal.

Perhaps not everyone today knows what kind of organ the spleen is, where it is located and how it hurts. But the task of a local general practitioner or a more specialized specialist is to, having correctly collected an anamnesis, identify damage regardless of the patient’s knowledge of human anatomy. Often diseases of this organ are disguised as stomach, heart, or muscle pain, which makes diagnosis difficult.

The structure of the spleen allows it to be a collector of spent blood cells and at the same time a cradle for immune units. These are unique abilities that cannot be compensated by any other organ. The role of the spleen is often underestimated by ordinary people, but if you conduct a thorough analysis, you may be surprised how much depends on its well-being. Take care of your health! It’s better to live your whole life and not know what pain in the left hypochondrium is.

Where is it located and how does it hurt? Such questions are asked by happy people whose bodies work like clockwork.

This is such a mysterious organ - the spleen, about which almost no one knows anything. Even scientists cowardly admit that it has not yet been fully studied.

What does it look like?

It is quite miniature and looks like a coffee bean, only purple in color. Due to the similarity of color, the male duck was allegedly named after her - a drake. Lives in the left hypochondrium, behind and slightly to the left of the stomach.

Functions of the spleen in the body

Yes, no matter how offended she may be, she will have to admit: the spleen is not considered a vital organ. That is, theoretically you can do without it. But, of course, there is a meaning in its existence for the body. And not alone.

In the early stages of fetal formation, hematopoiesis occurs in it (that is, blood cells are formed and mature). However, later, by the ninth month of intrauterine development, this function is taken over by the bone marrow. But the spleen does not remain idle. Freed from bloody worries, she switches to another task - the production of lymphocytes and monocytes (these are cells of the immune system). That is, it supplies fighters to protect the body from infections ().

In addition, this is a blood depot (about 20% of the volume of this liquid is stored in it) and a “graveyard” for dead red blood cells that have sadly completed their life cycle. She, one might say, escorts red blood cells on their last journey: monitors the condition of the aging and damaged ones and filters them out from the good ones. When an old red blood cell is destroyed, special proteins take iron from it and transport it to a young red blood cell, which still has its whole life ahead of it.

But that's not all. Modern medical science also attributes to the organ the hormonal regulation of bone marrow function. The fact is that even now, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the functions of the spleen are not fully understood. That's it!

Spleen diseases

They are mostly symptomatic, that is, the spleen, in fact, is not to blame - it is not the cause. But what is important for doctors is that the processes occurring in it can signal other, very serious diseases.

Thus, it can be involved in the pathological process in many infectious diseases (measles, smallpox, malaria, scarlet fever, meningitis, acute viral hepatitis, typhoid fever, leishmaniasis and a bunch of other unpleasant things), cardiovascular diseases, leukemia, tuberculosis and liver problems . And this is not a complete list.

The main symptom of spleen disease is an increase in its size (splenomegaly). But since in most cases the changes in it are secondary, treatment is aimed primarily at the cause of the underlying disease.

Other diseases of the spleen are much less common. She may have a heart attack (local circulatory disorder) - due to blood diseases or as a result of infectious processes. Another option is an abscess (focal suppuration) - this threatens patients with typhoid fever or bacterial endocarditis. And also (though extremely rarely) cysts form in the spleen, caused, for example, by echinococcus.

However, this is not what we intend to intimidate you with. Here's what. The spleen is an easily damaged organ; it can “burst” from a simple, blunt trauma to the abdomen or from a fall on it or from a height. Further, if the organ capsule ruptures, massive bleeding into the abdominal cavity can occur, which is life-threatening. The person turns pale, aching pain and a feeling of fullness arise in the left hypochondrium. When you take a deep breath or cough, the pain intensifies. Blood pressure drops, pulse quickens. And it can lead to fainting. In this case, symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury, but several hours or even days later, which means that a secondary rupture has already occurred. It will help with heart disease - angina pectoris.

Any disease of the spleen or associated pathology requires emergency medical care. In such situations, it is removed surgically (an operation called “splenectomy”). True, with small tears and cracks, if the blood circulation is not impaired, it can still be saved - of course, exclusively in a hospital setting. In general, any serious disease of the spleen requires prompt medical attention. It cannot be treated at home.

Does it hurt / doesn't it hurt? If it doesn’t come to the point of ruptures, in terms of health complaints, the spleen is a very modest lady. Only when she is completely uneasy (with a significant increase in size) does a feeling of heaviness and discomfort arise in the left hypochondrium, dull, aching pain (respectively, in the same place), not associated with eating or physical activity. With an abscess, fever may occur, accompanied by pain in the upper left half of the abdomen and chest.

How is life without a spleen?

The good news is that the well-being of a person with a removed spleen does not change dramatically. But still, nothing happens just like that. The latest research shows this. Firstly, since the body is deprived of its monocyte storage, patients with a resected spleen are more susceptible to diseases of a bacterial nature, and their wounds take a long time to heal. Secondly, after removal of this organ, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly.

By the way, some people are even born without it. But this happens very rarely, and usually asplenia (the so-called absence of our heroine) is combined with malformations of the cardiovascular system. There are also other anomalies: organ duplication or “additional” spleens in various parts of the abdominal cavity.

How to prevent spleen diseases?

First and foremost, protect from injury. Well, no matter how trivial it may sound, follow the precepts of a healthy lifestyle. Physical exercise is beneficial for the spleen: with active work of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm, a “massage” occurs, which leads to the release of a new volume of blood. Plus, the diet should contain suppliers of vitamins (group B, ascorbic acid), iron and copper - they are necessary for full-fledged work. So don't forget about green vegetables, tomatoes, black currants, citrus fruits, lentils, red meat, buckwheat and seafood. With a deficiency of vitamins, as well as with fasting, the activity and functions of the spleen decrease.

For centuries, scientists have tried to determine the purpose of the lymphoid organ located in the abdominal cavity. Modern medicine knows many functions of the spleen, which are not particularly noticeable, but are very significant.

General description of the spleen

The spleen is a relatively small organ, shaped like a flat, elongated sphere. It is located to the left of the stomach. In the abdominal cavity, the spleen is in contact with the large intestine, kidney and pancreas. It is a peripheral hematopoietic organ of the human immune system.

In adults, such a lymphoid organ reaches sixteen centimeters in length and no more than seven centimeters in width. Its thickness is two and a half centimeters.

There should be only one spleen in the body, but sometimes there are cases when additional lobules of this organ are formed. Such additional particles can be located far from the spleen itself, and after its removal they take on all the main functions.

This small lymphoid organ consists of a soft red and white pulp, which is completely enveloped by a dense capsule. This shell is connective tissue. Trabeculae radiate from it into the spleen - small tissue plates that form a frame in the middle of the organ.

All of these connective tissues contain smooth muscle cells. And when they contract, the blood stored in the spleen comes out through the trabeculae, merging with the general blood flow. Large tissue plates contain veins and arteries.

Spleen in the human body

Movement, absorption and distribution of nutrients is not a complete list of what the spleen is responsible for in the human body.

In addition, the spleen is responsible for the blood structure and functioning of the muscular system. It is the main blood purifier and prevents bleeding in the body.

The absence of such an organ leads to a decrease in the body's defenses and the formation of blood clots. The metabolic process depends on the work of the spleen. The spleen is also responsible for the production of bile.

Main functions

The role of the lymphoid organ is very diverse. It stores a large supply of enriched blood, which, if there is a disruption in the blood balance, flows into the general flow.

The spleen is responsible for the production of lymphocytes. These blood particles circulate in the blood tissues, providing general immune protection. In addition, the spleen performs a number of important key functions:

1. Cleansing. The spleen is able to identify affected red blood cells in the body that are no longer suitable and destroy them, thereby renewing the blood. The remains of red blood cells pass to the liver, which processes them.
2. Immune. The cells of a small lymphoid organ can process foreign antibodies and harmful components in the blood, destroying all harmful microorganisms. This ability of the spleen helps to increase the protective response in the human body. In addition, it independently synthesizes immunoglobulin.
3. Hematopoietic. The spleen is responsible for producing platelet cells in the fetus during its development in the womb. In this organ in an adult, monocytes and lymphocytes are produced - the blood particles of the immune system. Such cells are very important for the body. They play an important role in the process of protection against infections and cancer.
4. Controlling. This function of the spleen includes control over the metabolic process. At the same time, iron is produced, which is necessary for the functioning of the body.

The importance of the spleen in the human body, although secondary, is still very important for health. In the absence of this organ, many functions are distributed mainly between the bone marrow and liver. But the ability to detect and remove used red blood cells remains an indispensable feature.

How does the spleen work?

In the middle of the organ there is a soft mass called pulp. This loose, fleshy tissue is divided into two sections in the spleen - a small white pulp and a voluminous red pulp.

The red connective tissue contains venous sinusoids that separate the splenic cords. In these dividing multicellular formations there are plasma cells and macrophages - cells responsible for processing bacteria, unusable red blood cells, toxic elements and various foreign particles.

The red pulp occupies eighty percent of the area in the middle of the spleen. It is she who performs most of the functions of the organ:

• tracks and destroys old platelets and red blood cells;
• absorbs foreign microelements;
• produces iron;
• promotes the maturation of lymphocytes and converts monocytes into macrophages;
• deposits mature erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets.

White pulp occupies only twenty percent of the volume of the spleen. White blood cells accumulate in it en masse. Because of this, it has a white color with a gray tint.

This lymphocyte-filled tissue in the middle of the spleen is responsible for the body's immune defenses. The white pulp is able to recognize the formed antibodies that absorb bacteria, various modified cells and viruses.

The blood supply to the spleen occurs through the splenic artery. It runs along the edge of the pancreas and near the stomach it divides into several short venous branches, through which blood is supplied to all parts of the digestive organ.

Development of the spleen in the embryo

The formation of the spleen occurs in the womb. The development of this lymphoid organ begins in the fourth week after conception. At two and a half months, the spleen of the embryo is fully mature.

During fetal development, the spleen is the main hematopoietic organ. It ensures the production of red and white blood cells during the formation of the embryo for nine months. This function is then performed by the bone marrow.

After birth, the spleen does not stop supplying the cells with blood. And therefore, removing it at this age can pose a threat of chronic colds. The final formation of this unpaired organ occurs in adolescence.

The spleen is a significant organ that performs many important functions for the full functioning of the body. Blood supply and the level of immune defense depend on its work. To date, it has not been fully disclosed, but all the studied functions of this lymphoid organ are of great importance for human health and life.

The rest of the time, the spleen performs the functions of lymphopoiesis, blood filtration, accumulation of monocytes and participates in metabolism. The organ cannot be called vital, but in its absence the immune system is seriously affected and the risk of developing infectious diseases increases.

Functions

The functions of the spleen are still unclear. Until the recent past, it was considered a mysterious endocrine gland, but recently the opinion of doctors has changed. It has been proven that the spleen acts as a trap for protozoan bacteria and foreign particles, and is also the main source of lymphocytes and antibodies in the human body.

In the first months of pregnancy, it is the spleen that performs the main functions of fetal hematopoiesis. Only at the end of the third trimester does the bone marrow begin to work, which takes over the production of red blood cells and white blood cells. The spleen completely switches to the production of lymphocytes and monocytes. True, with some pathologies it can return to its original role.

Several more functions of the spleen in an adult:

• immune;
• filtration;
• participation in metabolism, including iron and bile formation;
• cumulative (almost 30% of all platelets are concentrated in the parenchyma).

Another, no less important function of the spleen in the human body is the collection and processing of dead red blood cells. When they are destroyed, special enzymes take up the remaining iron and transfer it to young red blood cells. Therefore, in medicine, the spleen is often called the “graveyard of red blood cells.”

After removal, the role of the spleen is distributed among other systems. Unfortunately, this does not allow you to fully restore the lost functions.

Structure and location

The normal anatomy of the spleen involves the location of the organ in the left hypochondrium, slightly behind the stomach, which corresponds to the horizontal line of ribs 9–11. With its walls it comes into contact with the left kidney and adrenal gland, the posterior surface and the diaphragm. Externally, the spleen is protected by the peritoneum, but in the area of ​​the hilum there is an area free from the capsule.

Abnormal location of the spleen in the body is extremely rare. Sometimes the wandering nature of the gland or the development of an additional lobe is noted, which can be located in various places in the abdominal cavity and even in the scrotum. This structural deficiency is found in 15–20% of the population.

The spleen is small in size and shaped like a flattened coffee bean with purple flowers. Its weight in adult men reaches 190 g, in women - 150 g. Length in all cases is 11–13 cm, width - 8–9 cm and thickness does not exceed 3 cm. The convex (diaphragmatic) side facing the diaphragm is completely smooth . The anteromedial surface includes the hilum through which arteries enter the spleen.

An anatomical description of the spleen would not be complete without mentioning the bloodstream, which includes several branches. Connecting, they form the splenic artery, through which blood enters the spleen tissue. Trabeculae form 4–5 segments, which are fed through trabecular arteries emerging from the main artery - the splenic.

Lymphocytes with dead red blood cells are removed from the splenic vein, which flows into the portal vein of the liver.

The internal tissue of the organ is called pulp. There are two types of pulp: red and white pulp, each of which performs its own functions.

Symptoms of diseases

The human spleen does not have pain receptors, so any damage to the organ is detected only when neighboring structures are involved in the pathological process. Thus, the growth () of the pulp has a significant impact on the kidneys, stomach and pancreas, disrupting their normal functioning.

There are common symptoms that indicate a problem:

• loss of appetite;
• weight loss;
• weakness, lethargy, deterioration of health;
• reflux (reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus);
• night sweats.

Which doctor treats the spleen?

If you experience constant pain in your left side and noticeable discomfort when bending over, you should contact your local physician. The doctor will conduct an examination and prescribe an examination, and also refer the patient for additional consultation with a hematologist, surgeon, or infectious disease specialist. The patient may have to visit an oncologist and a traumatologist.

Although the spleen is not considered a vital organ and some people are born without it entirely, the importance of the gland should not be underestimated. The lack of monocyte storage not only negatively affects immunity, but also increases the risk of developing heart disease.

Useful video about the meaning and functions of the spleen

The role of the spleen, like the organ itself, has not yet been fully studied by medicine. It can even be called a mysterious part of our body, since in ancient times it was considered to have almost mystical properties. So what is the spleen needed for, what is its main function, and what processes does it “manage”?

The spleen performs a number of significant auxiliary functions in the body for digestion, metabolism, blood purification, etc.

Anatomical location of the organ

The anatomy of the spleen, in brief, is as follows: it is localized in the left hypochondrium, has a bean-shaped shape and a unique structure, and is also characterized by a relatively small size, which is individual for each of us. But special attention should be paid to the functions of such an amazing part of the body.

Function of the spleen in the human body

To understand what the work of the spleen is, why we need it, and how important the role of this part of the body is, we need to understand what processes occur in it, what it is responsible for, and what consequences its damage will entail.

Hematopoiesis

It is noteworthy that in the early period of fetal development, the spleen is engaged in the production of platelet cells. Immediately at the time of birth, this task falls on the bone marrow. Later, already in the formed adult body, it produces monocytes and lymphocytes. By performing this hematopoietic process, the spleen has a great influence on our body. Interestingly, as soon as the bone marrow is damaged and it stops producing platelets, the spleen again takes on this responsibility.

Protective

The central function can safely be called the immune activity of the organ. Its cells kill pathogenic substances, thereby fulfilling their role of cleansing the blood from harmful bacterial and dangerous viral microorganisms, as well as from various types of infections. A useful quality of the spleen should be considered its ability to capture foreign substances in the human body, as well as the production of special antibodies to neutralize these pathogens.

Blood filtration, metabolism

The spleen also has the ability to filter blood. Here, her duty is to control the blood cells that are in constant circulation in the human body, to screen out and remove unsuitable red blood cells. Filtration occurs due to Billrothe's splenic cords - part of the red pulp that is located in the middle of the sinuses.

Partial filtration of blood occurs with the participation of the spleen pulp.

It has also been proven that the spleen takes part in the metabolism, in particular iron, thereby bringing enormous benefits to humans. Not the least role is played by its participation in protein metabolism, the production of immunoglobulins of almost all types, and the synthesis of albumin and globin. In the body, this bean-shaped organ is also responsible for the storage of blood, that is, the storage of platelets.

By the way, the spleen has the ability to vary its size from smaller to larger and vice versa. This is explained by the fact that as its size increases, it receives an influx of a certain portion of blood and, as needed, contracts, throwing this blood into the channel. So, with great physical stress on the body, it needs to compensate for the lack of oxygen, and it is the auxiliary amount of blood that enriches its volume. Therefore, if after heavy physical activity you feel a sharp pain in the left hypochondrium, which just as suddenly went away, do not rush to get scared. This indicates the following - the spleen has shrunk to its usual size.