Key Terms Spleen

Question 1

One of the ligaments between the spleen and the splenic flexure of the colon

Answer 1

Phrenocolic ligament

Question 2

Within the peritoneal cavity

Answer 2

Intraperitoneal

Question 3

Blood cell production

Answer 3

Hematopoiesis

Question 4

Condition in sickle cell anemia in which the sickled cells interfere with oxygen transport, obstruct capillary blood flow, and cause fever and severe pain in the joints and abdomen

Answer 4

Sickle cell crisis

Question 5

Anemia caused by antibodies produced by the patient’s own immune system

Answer 5

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Question 6

Process by which the red pulp destroys the degenerating red blood cells

Answer 6

Phagocytosis

Question 7

Results from failure of fusion of separate splenic masses forming on the dorsal mesogastrium; most commonly found in the splenic hilum or along the splenic vessels or associated ligaments

Answer 7

Accessory spleen

Question 8

Inherited disorder transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait that causes an abnormality of the globin genes in hemoglobin

Answer 8

Sickle cell anemia

Question 9

A malignant disease of lymphoid tissue seen with increased frequency in individuals older than 50 years of age

Answer 9

Non-hodgkins lymphoma

Question 10

Consists of reticular cells and fibers (cords of Billroth); surrounds the splenic sinuses

Answer 10

Red pulp

Question 11

Chronic, life-shortening condition of unknown cause involving bone marrow elements; characterized by an increase in red blood cell mass and hemoglobin concentration

Answer 11

Polycythemia vera

Question 12

Enlargement of the spleen

Answer 12

Splenomegaly

Question 13

Condition in which more than one spleen is present

Answer 13

Polysplenia

Question 14

Located in the middle of the spleen; site where vessels and lymph nodes enter and exit the spleen

Answer 14

Splenic hilum

Question 15

Oxygen-binding protein found in red blood cells

Answer 15

Hemoglobin

Question 16

Follicles in the white pulp of the spleen, containing many lymphocytes

Answer 16

Malpighian corpuscles

Question 17

Ligament between the spleen and kidney that helps support the greater curvature of the stomach

Answer 17

Lienorenal ligament

Question 18

One of the storage diseases in which fat and proteins are deposited abnormally in the body

Answer 18

Gaucher’s disease

Question 19

Group of hereditary anemias occurring in Asian and Mediterranean populations

Answer 19

Thalassemia

Question 20

Long irregular channels lined by endothelial cells or flattened reticular cells

Answer 20

Splenic sinuses

Question 21

One of the ligaments between the stomach and spleen that helps to hold the spleen in place

Answer 21

Gastrosplenic ligament

Question 22

Branch of the celiac axis; tortuous course toward the spleen; serves as the superior border of the pancreas

Answer 22

Splenic artery

Question 23

Resulting from hemolysis of red blood cells

Answer 23

Hemolytic anemia

Question 24

Spleen that has migrated from its normal location in the left upper quadrant

Answer 24

Wandering spleen

Question 25

Pigment released from the hemoglobin process

Answer 25

Hemosiderin

Question 26

An interruption in the blood supply to an area that may lead to necrosis of the area

Answer 26

Infarction

Question 27

Red blood cell

Answer 27

Erythrocyte

Question 28

An acute infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that most commonly affects teenagers and young adults; symptoms include fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, abnormal lymphocysts, and hepatosplenomegaly

Answer 28

Mononucleosis

Question 29

Process by which the spleen removes abnormal red blood cells as they pass through

Answer 29

Culling

Question 30

A metabolic disorder marked by amyloid deposits in organs and tissue

Answer 30

Amyloidosis

Question 31

Left upper quadrant of the abdomen that contains the left lobe of the liver, the spleen, and the stomach

Answer 31

Left hypochondrium

Question 32

An alkaline fluid found in the lymphatic vessels

Answer 32

Lymph

Question 33

Consists of lymphatic tissue and lymphatic follicles

Answer 33

White pulp

Question 34

Certain phagocytic cells (found in the liver and spleen) make up the reticuloendothelial system (RES); plays a role in the synthesis of blood proteins and hemopoiesis

Answer 34

Reticuloendothelial

Question 35

Process by which the spleen removes nuclei from blood cells without destroying the erythrocytes

Answer 35

pitting

Question 36

Condition in which erythrocytes assume a spheroid shape; hereditary

Answer 36

Spherocytosis

Question 37

Complete absence of the spleen

Answer 37

Splenic agenesis

Question 38

A malignant disease that involves lymphoid tissue

Answer 38

Hodgkin's disease

Question 39

Leaves the splenic hilum, travels transversely through the upper abdomen to join with the superior mesenteric vein to form the main portal vein; serves as the posterior medial border of the pancreas

Answer 39

Splenic vein

Question 40

An excess of red blood cells

Answer 40

Polycythemia

Question 41

Abnormal decrease in white blood corpuscles; may be drug induced

Answer 41

Leukopenia