The spleen is
not a digestive organ
but more an organ of the blood connected to the circulatory system and was henceforth studied in relation to its haematological and immunological functions.
Is the spleen a critical part of the digestive system?
As you’ve seen, your spleen is a very useful organ, but
it is not vital
. Sometimes, a person’s spleen does have to be surgically removed. This may be because the spleen becomes injured, or it may be taken out in the course of transplanting other organs.
What system is the spleen a part of?
The spleen is a small organ inside your left rib cage, just above the stomach. It’s part of
the lymphatic system
(which is part of the immune system). The spleen stores and filters blood and makes white blood cells that protect you from infection. Many diseases and conditions can affect how the spleen works.
How does spleen affect the digestive system?
Spleen-Stomach
transforms food into nutrients which are the sources of Qi and blood
. The nutrients include glucose, amino acids, lipid, cations-anions and trace elements. Stomach is considered a reservoir which empties into the intestine.
Is the spleen an accessory organ of digestion?
The accessory organs of the abdomen include the
liver
, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys and the mesentery. The liver, gallbladder and pancreas are all accessory organs of digestion.
What foods irritate the spleen?
It is important to avoid foods that are “damp”: alcohol, fat, fast sugars and excessive quantities of
dairy products
— for example, “fromage blanc,” which has a moisture content of 80%. The spleen is sensitive to erratic eating habits and can be weakened by skipping breakfast, copious or late dinners, and snacking.
What are symptoms of spleen problems?
- feeling full very quickly after eating (an enlarged spleen can press on the stomach)
- feeling discomfort or pain behind your left ribs.
- anaemia and fatigue.
- frequent infections.
- easy bleeding.
Which diseases or disorders can affect your spleen?
- bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections such as syphilis, tuberculosis, endocarditis, mononucleosis (mono), and malaria.
- blood cancers such as Hodgkin’s disease, leukemia, and lymphoma.
- liver diseases like cirrhosis.
- hemolytic anemia.
How do you check your spleen at home?
- Start in RLQ (so you don’t miss a giant spleen).
- Get your fingers set then ask patient to take a deep breath. …
- When patient expires, take up new position.
- Note lowest point of spleen below costal margin, texture of splenic contour, and tenderness.
- If spleen is not felt, repeat with pt lying on right side.
Does the spleen destroy white blood cells?
It is about as big as your fist. The spleen is part of your lymphatic system, which fights infection and keeps your body fluids in balance. It contains white blood cells that fight germs. Your spleen also helps control the amount of blood in your body, and
destroys old and damaged cells
.
What are the 3 functions of the spleen?
- 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)
How do you strengthen your spleen?
Diet. Take regular meals, and avoid sweet, greasy, raw, or cold food. Choose foods that help improve spleen function such as glutinous rice,
red date
, chicken meat (lean), and Chinese yam.
Why is the spleen attached to the stomach?
The spleen is connected to the stomach and kidney by
parts of the greater omentum
– a double fold of peritoneum that originates from the stomach: Gastrosplenic ligament – anterior to the splenic hilum, connects the spleen to the greater curvature of the stomach.
What are the 3 accessory organs of the digestive system?
The gastrointestinal tract consists of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The accessory organs are the
teeth, tongue, and glandular organs such as salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
.
What are the three accessory digestive organs?
The
salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
are not part of the digestive tract, but they have a role in digestive activities and are considered accessory organs.
What is the peristalsis in the digestive system?
Peristalsis is
a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract
. It starts in the esophagus where strong wave-like motions of the smooth muscle move balls of swallowed food to the stomach.
