Chap. XVI] 



SUMMARY 



323 



Descrip- 

 tion 



Spleen . 



Functions 



Beneath diaphragm, behind and to the left 



of the stomach. 

 Consists of a fibrous network filled with a 



vascular pulp, enclosed in a fibrous and 



muscular capsule which is covered by 



serous membrane. 

 Blood supply peculiar — arteries — veins, 



no connecting capillaries. 

 ' Not definitely known. Credited with the 



following : — 



1. Formation of leucocytes. 



2. Formation of red corpuscles during foetal 



Ufe and for short period after birth. 



3. Helps in preparation of new haemo- 



globin or preservation of iron set free 

 by death of red corpuscles. 



4. May assist in digestion and metabolism. 



5. May assist in production of uric acid. 



6. May protect body from infections. 



