Where is the spleen in the digestive system?

Where is the spleen in the digestive system?

Your spleen is an organ above your stomach and under your ribs on your left side. It is about as big as your fist. The spleen is part of your lymphatic system, which fights infection and keeps your body fluids in balance. It contains white blood cells that fight germs.

Why is the spleen important to the circulatory system?

The spleen helps keep harmful microorganisms out of the bloodstream. It holds key components of the body’s immune system. The spleen also removes unhealthy, old, and misshapen red blood cells from circulation. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and remove carbon dioxide (a waste product).

What does the spleen do for digestion?

Spleen-Stomach transforms food into nutrients which are the sources of Qi and blood. The nutrients include glucose, amino acids, lipid, cations-anions and trace elements. Stomach is considered a reservoir which empties into the intestine.

What system has the spleen?

The lymphatic system
The lymphatic system collects excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue throughout the body and returns it to the bloodstream, which is then recirculated through the body. Spleen: This largest lymphatic organ is located on your left side under your ribs and above your stomach.

What foods irritate the spleen?

Think of the spleen as being powered by heat. Frozen food, icy drinks, cucumber, bitter or winter melon, lettuce and grapefruit deplete the spleen’s “fire”. Foods that are “damp” – such as dairy products, refined sugars and sweets – can also smother the digestive process.

Can the spleen cause digestive problems?

Often, an enlarged spleen causes no symptoms or signs itself, but they are due to an underlying illness that causes splenomegaly. However, those people who do have symptoms of an enlarged spleen may experience: Indigestion and a feeling of fullness because the enlarged spleen can compress the stomach.

How does the spleen cleanse the blood?

Your spleen acts as a filter for your blood, cleansing it of bacteria, viruses and other debris. When blood flows through your spleen, white blood cells attack and remove any foreign invaders. This keeps your blood clean and helps protect you against infection.

Does the spleen play a role in the digestive system?

The spleen is not a digestive organ but more an organ of the blood connected to the circulatory system and was henceforth studied in relation to its haematological and immunological functions.

What are the symptoms of spleen problems?

Symptoms

• Pain or fullness in the left upper belly that can spread to the left shoulder.
• A feeling of fullness without eating or after eating a small amount because the spleen is pressing on your stomach.
• Low red blood cells (anemia)
• Frequent infections.
• Bleeding easily.

Does the spleen destroy white blood cells?

It does this by breaking down and removing cells that are abnormal, old, or damaged. The spleen also stores red blood cells, platelets, and infection-fighting white blood cells.

Does coffee irritate the spleen?

Coffee moves qi and blood and has a dispersing quality both ascending (stimulating the mind and lifting the spirit) and descending (purgative, diuretic and increased peristalsis). Its flavour is sweet and bitter and is therefore associated with the spleen and heart organs.

What foods to avoid if you have an enlarged spleen?

Avoid contact sports — such as soccer, football and hockey — and limit other activities as recommended by your doctor. Modifying your activities can reduce the risk of a ruptured spleen. It’s also important to wear a seat belt. If you’re in a car accident, a seat belt can help prevent injury to your spleen.