Question

The spleen is a unique lymphoid organ that filters blood, rather than lymph. Following splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) in an adult, which of the following splenic functions would be performed by the bone marrow or liver? A. removal of aged and damaged red blood cells from the blood B. It has follicles similar to those in the spleen.

Answer 1

A. removal of aged and damaged red blood cells from the blood

Step-by-step explanation:

The rise in levels of heamoglobin and Fe, following the need to remove damaged RBC prompted immune response release of monocytes into the blood stream by the bone marrow. Monocytes engulfed the damaged RBC and transport them to the liver and spleen for Fe recycling,and removal of the dead cells from circulation. Following splenectomy, the liver takes over this role. It releases a chemical substance called Chemokines.( a chemical subtance that aids attraction of cells towards its source ).

Chemokines attracts the monocytes engulfed RBC- towards the liver. The Macrophages in the liver further engulfed these cells and break them down to complete the process of destruction. Thus the liver continuously mopped damaged RBC from the blood streams, in absence of the spleen and recycles the iron contents, to reduce toxicity in the body, and to prevent overload of these in the body.

Answer 2

Answer: Option A. removal of aged and damaged red blood cells from the blood

Explanation: The spleen is an organ in the body that is found right under ribcage above the stomach. It consists of two types of tissues;

a. The red pulp tissue that performs the function of filtering the blood thereby removing damaged or old red blood cells.

b. The white pulp tissue the consists of immune cells which aids the immune system to fight infections

Splenectomy is the removal of the spleen through surgical means and when the spleen is removed it increases a person susceptibility to infections therefore it is important to get vaccinations after a splenectomy is carried out.