Storing Materials
The Remarkable Storage Capacity of the Spleen
The spleen not only plays a vital role in the production of lymphocytes and red blood cells but also serves as a remarkable storage unit for these components, as well as platelets, which are crucial for blood clotting. In fact, the spleen houses a surplus of these materials, exceeding the active amounts present in the human body. This surplus exists as a contingency plan in case of a sudden infection or illness that results in the loss of a significant number of cells or requires an increased supply. At any given moment, the spleen can store up to a cup of red blood cells, a quarter of the body’s white blood cells, and about a third of its platelets.
Accessory Spleen
An accessory spleen is a rare occurrence where a child develops an additional spleen while in the womb. It usually appears as a small nodule close to the main spleen. Approximately ten percent of the population has these accessory spleens, but since they are only about a centimeter in diameter, most individuals are unaware of their presence. In some cases, children with the congenital disease polysplenia may develop multiple accessory spleens, which can hinder the growth of a fully functional spleen.