Where Is Your Spleen Located In Your Body – The spleen is one of those organs that everyone has heard of and knows is important, but doesn’t really understand how it works or what it actually does. Unlike the lungs or the heart, which we sense every time we breathe or feel a pulse, the spleen quietly wanders deep in our abdomen and we are largely unaware of any of its activities.

The fact is, however, that a fully functioning spleen is an important part of our daily health and well-being, especially in terms of immune function. While you can technically live without a spleen, the increased risk of infection and disease makes it a dangerous possibility. One of the conditions, although relatively rare, that can potentially lead to the need for its removal is an enlarged spleen.

Where Is Your Spleen Located In Your Body

Before you can understand the conditions surrounding an enlarged spleen, it is helpful to first understand what the spleen actually does. Located below the rib cage and behind the stomach, the spleen is the largest organ of the lymphatic system. Essentially, the spleen is part of the immune system that filters blood as it circulates throughout the body. Together with the lymph nodes (another part of the lymphatic system), the spleen prevents disease and fights infection by removing toxins and cellular waste from the bloodstream.

The Spleen: Roles, Signs Of Dysfunction & Support

The majority of the work the spleen does is through the process of controlling the number of red blood cells we have in our blood. It also stores platelets, another part of our blood, which the body uses to form blood clots in the event of an injury. The regulation of red blood cells and platelets is important for the overall health of the body in the sense that our blood needs to be efficient in carrying oxygen to all parts of the body; when the spleen is functioning properly, our immune system can respond more quickly when an injury or disease is detected.

Another important function of the spleen is to store white blood cells, also known as lymphocytes. White blood cells are another part of the body’s immune system, and they are the first line of defense against infection. When an infection is detected, the spleen releases these lymphocytes into the bloodstream and they look for foreign substances (such as bacteria) and try to eliminate them.

There are a variety of reasons why the spleen might become enlarged, but the basic mechanism is generally some sort of build-up or blockage of either the waste products that the spleen is supposed to filter out, or an overload of the blood components that it controls. The condition, technically known as splenomegaly, is considered a secondary condition because it is almost always a symptom of some other underlying problem. In fact, splenomegaly is considered one of the four symptoms of a comprehensive disease called hypersplenomegaly, a disorder characterized by an overactive spleen.

Even though there are many different potential underlying causes that can lead to an enlarged spleen, there are a few possibilities that will tend to be the likely culprit. Here are some of the most common causes of splenomegaly:

Ruptured Spleen: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Cost

Most people with an enlarged spleen do not actually experience any direct symptoms, because the enlargement itself is not something that can be

. As a result, most people don’t even know they have an enlarged spleen until it’s discovered during a test for another problem.

The symptoms usually associated with an enlarged spleen are usually related to an underlying cause, such as fatigue and shortness of breath in anemia, for example. For those who do experience symptoms, the most common examples are discomfort or pain in the upper left side of the abdomen or the inability to eat large meals. More than likely, however, a person with an enlarged spleen will seek medical diagnosis for some other reason, and then the doctor will find evidence of splenomegaly.

Treatment options for an enlarged spleen depend almost entirely on the underlying cause and the severity of these symptoms. Most of the time, addressing the underlying cause will, in time, resolve the spleen problem. In general, however, there is a risk of an enlarged spleen bursting; for this reason, doctors will recommend avoiding sports or any activity where trauma could occur.

Appendix Diagram Images, Stock Photos, 3d Objects, & Vectors

In severe cases, such as lymphoma or conditions where the size of the spleen begins to destroy platelets and red blood cells, surgery may be required. This procedure, known as a splenectomy, involves removing all or part of the spleen. As mentioned before, you can live a full and normal life without a spleen; however, the absence of a spleen means that your immune system will be compromised for the rest of your life. To compensate, doctors will prescribe a series of regular medications to boost immune function.

The spleen is an important organ that cannot be overlooked, but unfortunately, you probably won’t know if it’s enlarged. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor regularly to make sure you’re in good health. If you would like more information about a possible enlarged spleen, or if you would like to speak with a gastroenterologist about your health in general, contact Cary Gastroenterology Associates to schedule an appointment.

Make an appointment today at one of our office locations throughout the Cary, Raleigh, Holly Springs and Triangle area. We are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive quality gastroenterology care. You could live your whole life and never even think about your spleen. If it’s not damaged, your spleen continues to filter your blood and produce white blood cells without bothering you. Tucked under your ribcage, your spleen is well protected. However, this does not mean that your spleen cannot be damaged and potentially turn into a major problem.

An enlarged spleen is the result of damage or injury to the spleen due to any number of different diseases, conditions or physical injuries. Infections, liver problems, blood cancers and metabolic disorders can all cause your spleen to enlarge, a condition called splenomegaly.

Larger Spleens Help Bajau “sea Nomads” Dive

When your spleen is enlarged, you are at increased risk of rupturing it. A ruptured spleen or even a bad rupture of the spleen could cause massive internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention.

Your spleen is a small orange organ in the upper left side of your abdomen. Buried behind the ninth, tenth, and eleventh ribs just below the left lung, your spleen is an organ that plays a role in not just one, but two major body systems.

The spleen is made up of two distinct types of tissue, each with its own job. The primary function of the spleen is to filter the blood. One type of tissue in your spleen, known as red pulp, helps remove damaged blood cells and other cellular waste products from your bloodstream. Your spleen is also responsible for keeping platelets in reserve to aid in clotting when you are injured. The spleen also helps maintain a healthy number of red blood cells in the blood to allow the blood to carry oxygen efficiently.

As part of your lymphatic system, another major function of the spleen is to help keep your immune system functioning normally. Another type of tissue in your spleen, the white pulp, is responsible for helping to store lymphocytes. Also known as white blood cells, these cells are your body’s primary defense against infection. When you are sick, the spleen releases these white blood cells into your bloodstream to attack invaders, such as bacteria or viruses, in an attempt to destroy them and keep you healthy.

Enlarged Spleen Symptoms, Warning Signs + 5 Treatments

You would think that any enlarged organ would cause pain, but amazingly, an enlarged spleen doesn’t give you many signs that something is wrong.

Unlike many other diseases, problems with the spleen do not often show many symptoms on their own. It takes a severe case of splenomegaly for you to start feeling pain from your spleen. If your spleen is significantly enlarged, you may experience pain in your upper abdomen and even in your left shoulder.

The pressure that an enlarged spleen can put on nearby organs can sometimes be felt if the swelling is large enough. If you experience severe pain in the upper left side of your abdomen when you take a deep breath, it may be time to talk to your doctor to see if you are suffering from splenomegaly.

With its role in cleaning and maintaining blood flow, the spleen can be vulnerable to many different diseases that affect your blood. These may include inherited diseases and blood cancers such as Hodgkin’s disease (lymphoma) and leukemia. Your eating habits and lifestyle could be causing your spleen to enlarge. Liver disease, such as cirrhosis caused by chronic alcoholism, can affect the spleen. Some types of heart disease, which can affect diet and exercise, can also interfere with blood flow to your spleen.

Soft Tissues Located Across The Human Body. Reproduced From [3]. Cc By 4.0.

Blood disorders are important

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