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What are the functions of the spleen? Why can people still live after a total splenectomy...

What are the functions of the spleen? Why can people still live after a total splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen)?

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Expert Solution

What are the functions of the spleen?

Spleen is one of the largest organs of the lymphatic system. The spleen helps in maintaining the balance of the bodily fluids, though it is not impossible to live without the spleen. The functions of spleen are:

  • Filtering liquid in the form of infectious organisms, along with filtering aged or elements that are defectively formed.
  • It works in trapping of antigens or microbes.
  • It carries out a major role in the immune responses
  • The major functioning is on filtering, which is performed by macrophages.
  • It initiated immune response by interaction of T and B cells.

Why can people still live after a total splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen)?

Spleen removal is a major surgery and the person whose spleen is removed is an immuno-compromised individual. For A person whose spleen has been removed, the person would not be able to fight bacteria or any invading microorganisms. If the spleen is removed, a person can survive without it, though he would be prone to being infected.


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