Question

1. What are the functions of the spleen? If your spleen were removed [splenectomy], would you be able to fight off illness or infections effectively? Why or why not?

2. What is the role of the thymus in the human body?

3. If your tonsils are removed, how does your body develop an immune response against antigens in the throat?

4. The radical mastectomy is an operation in which a cancerous breast, surrounding tissues, and the underlying muscles of the anterior thoracic wall, plus the axillary lymph nodes, are removed. After such an operation, the arm usually swells, or becomes edematous, and is very uncomfortable -- sometimes for months. Why?

5. Could humans live without a lymphatic system? Explain why or why not.

6. Why do lymph nodes enlarge when you are sick?

Answer 1

1. Functions of spleen- The spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body. It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there. The spleen also helps fight certain kinds of bacteria that cause pneumonia and meningitis.

The spleen is just one part of the immune (defence) system. Other parts of the immune system protect against most bacteria, viruses and other germs. However, there may be increased risk of developing some serious infections if do not have a spleen, or have a spleen that does not work properly. This complication is called overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). The risk is small and OPSI is uncommon but very serious and often fatal it it occurs. Examples of serious infections that you are at increased risk from if you do not have a working spleen are pneumonia, meningitis, septicaemia (blood infection) and malaria.

2. Role of thymus: The thymus produces progenitor cells, which mature into T-cells (thymus-derived cells). The body uses T-cells help destroy infected or cancerous cells.

T-cells created by the thymus  help other organs in the immune system grow properly.