Here are three things you should know about your
spleen: it filters your blood and
holds a reserve of red blood cells in case of emergency; it is an important
part of your immune system, and it is connected directly with the vagus nerve
from the brain.
The spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the
abdomen, left of the stomach, and protected by the rib cage. Think of it as
fist shaped and about4 inches long.
It is the largest lymph node in the body.
Blood filtering: as blood passes through the spleen old red cells are
removed; their hemoglobin is broken down into amino acids and their heme (a
molecule containing iron) is metabolized into bilirubin, removed by the liver
and excreted in bile, feces and urine.
Iron is returned to the bone marrow, where new red cells are made. The
spleen holds a reserve of red blood cells , used in pregnancy and in case of
serious bleeding. It also stores
platelets, used for blood clotting, and white blood cells.
The spleen’s role in the Immune system: as blood
flows through the spleen, it detects infectious particles such as bacteria and
viruses. Along with your other lymph
nodes, the spleen puts out lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that can
produce antibodies to neutralize bacteria and viruses, and other substances
toxic to the invading cells. The
spleen stores half the body’s supply of monocytes – another kind of white blood
cell that moves to injured tissue and promotes healing.
The spleen’s connection with the central nervous system
(the brain): the spleen is an important connection between the brain and
the immune system. In 2008, for
the first time, fibers of the vagus nerve were found in the spleen. The vagus nerve supplies
parasympathetic fibers to most organs in the body and influences heart rate, digestive
processes, sweating, speech and other functions. In contrast to sympathetic nerve fibers (think fight or
flight, excitement, anger), the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system is
associated with relaxation, a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and feelings of calm. Research is
ongoing on vagus nerve stimulation in people with severe seizures, depression
and severe pain. Activation of the
parasympathetic nervous system is also associated with decreased inflammation
in the body. In situations of severe septic infections, stimulation of the
vagus nerve gives increased survival in laboratory animals.
Long slow breathing, preferably through the nose, is one of
the simple ways that you can derive the benefits of vagus nerve
stimulation. Most ways of
meditation use this kind of breathing. Establishing a daily practice of relaxation can lower
blood pressure, help digestive disorders, decrease anxiety and possibly improve
your immune system. Research is
ongoing in this area.
Take care of your spleen: Most trauma to the spleen occurs in serious auto
accidents. Sometimes the spleen
has to be removed as a result. You
can live without a spleen, but not as well. Drive cautiously and defensively, banish road rage, wear
your seat belt, and forget texting while you drive. A healthy, intact spleen is worth the effort.
Sadja Greenwood, MD,
MPH back issues on this blog
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