lien

A large, vascular lymphatic organ lying in the upper part of the abdominal cavity on the left side, between the stomach and diaphragm, composed of white and red pulp; the white consists of lymphoid nodules and diffuse lymphoid tissue; the red consists of venous sinusoids between which are splenic cords; the stroma of both red and white pulp is composed of reticular fibers and cells. A framework of fibroelastic trabeculae extending from the capsule conveys blood vessels to and from the splenic pulp. The spleen is a blood-forming organ in early life and later a storage organ for red corpuscles and platelets; because of the large number of macrophages present in the spleen it also acts as a blood filter, identifying and destroying effete erythrocytes as well as participating in the immune defense of the body.

Synonym(s): splen [TA], lien ☆

[G. splēn]

A large vascular lymphatic organ lying in the upper part of the abdominal cavity on the left side, between the stomach and diaphragm, composed of white and red pulp; the white consists of lymphatic nodules and diffuse lymphatic tissue; the red consists of venous sinusoids between which are splenic cords; the stroma of both red and white pulp is reticular fibers and cells. A framework of fibroelastic trabeculae extending from the capsule subdivides the structure into poorly defined lobules. It is a blood-forming organ in early life and later a storage organ for red corpuscles and platelets; because of the large number of macrophages, it also acts as a blood filter, both identifying and destroying effete erythrocytes.
Synonym(s): lien [TA] , splen [TA] .

[G. splēn]

Large, vascular lymphatic organ lying in upper part of abdominal cavity on left side, between stomach and diaphragm, composed of white and red pulp; blood-forming organ in early life and later a storage organ for red corpuscles and platelets.
Synonym(s): lien.

[G. splēn]

Relating to the spleen.

Synonym(s): lienal, splenetic (1)

Relating to the spleen.
Synonym(s): lienal.