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What are the four main functions of the spleen?

What are the four main functions of the spleen?

The four most important normal functions of the spleen are as follows:

  • Clearance of microorganisms and particulate antigens from the blood stream.
  • Synthesis of immunoglobulin G (IgG), properdin (an essential component of the alternate pathway of complement activation), and tuftsin (an immunostimulatory tetrapeptide)

What is the most important function of the spleen?

Your spleen’s main function is to act as a filter for your blood. It recognizes and removes old, malformed, or damaged red blood cells. When blood flows into your spleen, your spleen performs “quality control”; your red blood cells must pass through a maze of narrow passages.

What was the original purpose of the spleen?

The spleen has some important functions: it fights invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells) it controls the level of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) it filters the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells.

What are the functions of the spleen can you live without it how?

You can live without a spleen. But because the spleen plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to fight off bacteria, living without the organ makes you more likely to develop infections, especially dangerous ones such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae.

What is the function of spleen in your body?

The spleen is like a security guard for the body, letting healthy blood cells pass through it and stopping unhealthy ones in their tracks. The spleen recognises old, or damaged red blood cells and removes them from your body by breaking them down and saving any useful components, such as iron, in the process.

What does the spleen symbolize?

Spiritual Functions: The Spleen Chakra or Prana Chakra is the point of entry for prana or life energy into the body. It is thus the source of power needed for success and victory. This chakra thus controls the quality of blood and the immune system of the body.

What are the dangers of an enlarged spleen?

An enlarged spleen can reduce the number of healthy red blood cells, platelets and white cells in your bloodstream, leading to more frequent infections. Anemia and increased bleeding also are possible. Ruptured spleen. Even healthy spleens are soft and easily damaged, especially in car crashes.

What does the spleen mean spiritually?

Spiritual Functions: The Spleen Chakra or Prana Chakra is the point of entry for prana or life energy into the body. It is thus the source of power needed for success and victory. A healthy and energized Spleen Chakra leads to the feeling of strength and general well-being.

What is the function of the spleen in the body?

One of the spleen’s main jobs is to filter your blood. It affects the number of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body, and the number of platelets, which are cells that help your blood to clot.

What happens to red blood cells in the spleen?

When blood flows into your spleen, your spleen performs “quality control”; your red blood cells must pass through a maze of narrow passages. Healthy blood cells simply pass through the spleen and continue to circulate throughout your bloodstream. Blood cells that can’t pass the test will be broken down in your spleen by macrophages.

How can I improve the function of my spleen?

Try having some raw ginger before or during meals. Ginseng is good for supporting the immune system and regulating metabolism. You can add warm spices such as black pepper, ginger, cardamom and cinnamon to food to help increase your spleen’s ability to digest food properly.

How does an enlarged spleen affect your health?

An enlarged spleen affects each of these vital functions. As your spleen grows larger, it filters normal red blood cells as well as abnormal ones, reducing the number of healthy cells in your bloodstream.