spleno-, splen-, splenico-, spleni-, -splenism, -splenia, -splenic
(Greek: spleen, "the inward parts;" the elongated accessory lymphatic organ of the vascular [blood] system)
The spleen is a large glandlike, but ductless, organ situated in the upper part of the abdominal cavity on the left side and lateral to the cardiac end of the stomach.
It is also called the lien. The largest structure in the lymphoid system, it is a flattened oblong shaped structure of about 125 mm. in length.
It disintegrates the red blood cells and sets the hemoglobin free, which the liver converts into bilirubin; it gives rise to new red blood cells during fetal life and in the newborn; serves as a reservoir of blood; produces lymphocytes and plasma cells; and has other important functions, the full scope of which hasn't been entirely determined.
asplenia
Absence of the spleen.
asplenic
A description of the absence of a spleen.
autosplenectomy
The almost complete disappearance of the spleen through progressive fibrosis and shrinkage; such as, that which may occur in sickle cell anemia.
Habet et musca splenem.
Even a fly has a spleen.
The Romans believed anger was centered in the spleen, and we still cling idiomatically to that conception. An English version might be, "The worm turns." In France and Spain, "The ant has its ire." In Italy, "Even the fly has its fury." Poland has an idiom that says, "Even a fly has a belly." This seems to say that the least among us has hunger and aspirations; as well as, rage.
hepatosplenitis
hepatosplenomegaly
hypersplenia, hypersplenism
An abnormal condition characterized by an enlarged spleen that prematurely destroys red blood cells or platelets.
laparosplenectomy
Laparotomy with excision of the spleen.
laparosplenotomy
Laparotomy to gain access to the spleen, usually for the purpose of draining a cyst or abscess of the spleen.
nephrosplenopexy
A fixation, or attachment, of a kidney and the spleen.
omentosplenopexy
A surgical procedure in which the omentum and the spleen are suspended from the abdominal wall to prevent ptosis or torsion.
phrenosplenic
A reference to the connection of the diaphragm and the spleen.
postsplenectomy
splenalgia
Neuralgic pain in the spleen.
splenaphrenic
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