Question

Which statements by the student nurse correctly describes the function of the spleen? Select all that apply.

a. The spleen produces antibodies.
b. The spleen destroys old red blood cells.
c. The spleen filters microorganisms from the blood.

Answer 1

The student nurse's statements about the spleen producing antibodies, destroying old red blood cells, and filtering microorganisms from the blood are correct. These functions are carried out by different types of tissue within the spleen, specifically the white and red pulp.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of the spleen can be described accurately through several key statements. Firstly, the spleen produces antibodies, which are synthesized and secreted by activated plasma cells within the white pulp of the spleen. Secondly, the spleen indeed destroys old red blood cells; this happens in the red pulp where damaged red blood cells are identified and removed. Lastly, the spleen filters microorganisms from the blood, particularly within the white pulp where lymphocytes remove antigen-coated bacteria. Therefore, the statements by the student nurse that describe the spleen as producing antibodies, destroying old red blood cells, and filtering microorganisms from the blood are all correct.