The Spleen

Today's Medical Topic:  The spleen.  What does it do?  Why do we have one?  Let's find out.

Off the Top of My Head:  I know it is part of your lymphatic system and your lymphatic system produces all kinds of hormones and proteins.  Your lymphatic system has a lot to do with fluid balancing.  I think the spleen has something to do with your immune system though I don't know what.

That guy.

My Research Today:  Jammed up under the left side of your ribs lies the spleen.  Your lymphatic system helps return lost fluids back into the blood stream, it also helps fight infection by filtering out microbes in lymph nodes.  Which is why lymph nodes can get swollen when you are sick.

The lymph nodes contain a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes that help fight infections.  The spleen houses a large store of lymphocytes as well as the most baller of all white blood cells.  The macrophage.

Macrophage reporting for duty sir!  What do
you want me to eat?

The macrophage is like the Borg in Star Trek.  You will be assimilated.  Resistance is futile.  Macrophages literally swallow bacteria whole and destroy them on a molecular level.  The United States  Navy wishes it had a boat as effective as a macrophage.

The USS Macrophage eating another boat.

Macrophages also eat anything else that isn't supposed to be there.  Random debris, dead tissue, whatever.  Anything in your blood stream that isn't yours or is dead gets eaten by macrophage cells in your spleen.

So now we know why it is so important to have your spleen.  It is possibly the most gangsta of organs.  Have a good night and remember:  All your organs are there for a reason.

Quest to 180:

Activity Today: Meh
Diet today:  Ok


The MAN:
Confidence Level:  Much better.
Social Engineering Tactics:  Young women...  Seem so self conscious these days...

Questions or comments can be submitted to dudaday@gmail.com

Disclaimer:  I am not a health care provider, any information presented in this blog should not be considered advice it is mearly an outlet to slake my curiosity.  You should always consult your primary medical provider for any concerns or illness.  Unlike Tylenol, I am not approved by the FDA or American Medical Association to treat or provide relief for any ailment.