Asplenia

High Yield Notes

4 pages

Flashcards

Asplenia

of complete

External References

First Aid

2024

2023

2022

2021

Asplenia

Howell-Jolly bodies p. 421

target cells p. 420

Hyposplenia p. 421

External Links

Summary

Asplenia refers to the absence of the spleen. It can be anatomically absent, or present but without normal functioning, a condition known as functional asplenia. Asplenia can be congenital, like when it fails to develop during embryological development. It can also be acquired, usually as a result of abdominal trauma, or surgical removal.

The main function of the spleen is to filter and process old red blood cells. It also offers immunological protection against encapsulated microorganisms (e.g. Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, �). So, asplenia increases susceptibility to infections with encapsulated bacteria, such as pneumococcal pneumonia and meningitis.

Elsevier

Copyright © 2024 Elsevier, its licensors, and contributors. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

Cookies are used by this site.

USMLE® is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). COMLEX-USA® is a registered trademark of The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, Inc. NCLEX-RN® is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Osmosis or this website.

RELX