Book 4 - Self Instructional Manual for Cancer Registrars - SEER ...

SpleenThe spleen, the largest lymphoid organ in the body, is located beneath the diaphragm in the leftupper quadrant directly posterior to the greater curvature of the stomach. It is designed to filterblood. It is also a reservoir for blood cells--lymphocytes, plasma cells, and monocytes. Its reticuloendothelialcells phagocytize old, worn-out red blood cells. The spleen produces antibodies for thedefense of the body against microorganisms. Despite its many functions, the spleen can be removedwithout causing death since most of its functions can be assumed by lymphoid tissue and reticuloendothelialcells elsewhere. There is some evidence that spleen regeneration may occur when cells spillfrom the pulp of a damaged spleen, implant in the body, and grow. Sometimes several functionalmini-spleens develop following splenectomy for trauma.Figure 10. SPLEENFigure 11. THYMUS GLANDkz67