The Spleen

The structure of the spleen allows it to carry out its major functions, which can be categorized as hematologic and immunologic. The importance of the spleen in the immunologic response is evidenced by the increased risk of infection in patients with congenital absence of splenic dysfunction and in splenectomized patients. The presence of one or more accessory spleens is the most common congenital abnormality related to splenic development. This review covers the history, embryology, congenital anomalies, anatomy, and histology/pathophysiology of the spleen. It is important for the student and general surgeon to understand the anatomy and physiology of the spleen to perform operative procedures on the spleen, to avoid intraoperative complications during splenectomy as well as procedures such as mobilization of the splenic flexure and distal pancreatectomy, and to care for the postoperative splenectomized patient. This review contains 7 highly rendered figures and 17 references.