2006-10-04 04:53:09 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
The main purpose of the spleen was not known till recently though it is known as closely associated with the circulatory system, where it functions in the destruction of old red blood cells in holding a reservoir of blood. It is regarded as one of the centres of activity of the reticuloendothelial system.
It is increasingly recognized that its absence leads to a predisposition to certain infections.Vaccination and antibiotic measures should be carefully taken after spleen removal. To be specific, full course of antibiotics should be taken at the onset of any respiratory infection like having sore throat,cough, and fever. There is list of recommended vaccination to be taken as scheduled like vacccine for pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcus-'C' conjugate vaccine, and annual flu vaccinations. The frequency differs between adults and children .
2006-10-04 06:48:29 · answer #1 · answered by ♥ lani s 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that the spleen destroys red blood cells, whereas the cancellous bones of the hip produces them. As far as the second part of your question goes, people who have thier spleens removed tend to live out a productive life. I have heard of people surviving into thier eighties.
2006-10-04 16:05:13 · answer #2 · answered by robert s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The spleen is an organ that is not essential for life
There are a few functions of the spleen
1.sequestration and phagocytosis of old red blood cells
2. immune - cells within the spleen can remove bacteria and blood cells coated with antibodies
3. reservoir for platelets the cells that help with clotting.
with it's removal a patient will need lifelong antibiotics, certain vaccinations and aspirin to prevent clots
2006-10-04 12:28:17 · answer #3 · answered by h k 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The spleen has a lot of your body's natural defences, having it removed would cause a lot of problems indeed.
2006-10-04 12:00:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Splenectomy is done for certain health reasons, see the link below. Contrary to what one person above said, splenectomized patients are not required to take antibiotics their whole life, but they are slightly more likely to get some bacterial infections, one being Strep pneumoniae, but splenectomized patients are almost always offered the vaccine for that one.
2006-10-04 12:40:37 · answer #5 · answered by finaldx 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is there to be ruptured.
2006-10-04 11:55:56 · answer #6 · answered by Harris 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋