Abstract
Galen described the spleen as the “organ of mystery,” with functions related to mood and good or ill humors. It was not until the 18th century that the spleen’s relationship to the immune and hematologic systems was appreciated. The complexities and multiplicity of splenic function continue to be the focus of research and observation. Although many of its functions overlap with, or can be assumed by other organs, it is an important regulator of immune response and hematologic homeostasis. The spleen efficiently phagocytoses erythrocytes, recycles iron, recognizes and destroys pathogens, and induces adaptive immune responses. An appreciation for the subtleties of its anatomy and function is important for the physician evaluating patients with many hematologic, immunologic, hepatic, and infectious diseases.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Hematology |
| Subtitle of host publication | Basic Principles and Practice, Eighth Edition |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Pages | 2378-2393 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780323733885 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2022 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine
Keywords
- asplenia and hyposplenia
- hypersplenism
- overwhelming post-splenectomy infection
- sickle cell anemia
- spleen
- splenectomy