Relevant answers to your frequent questions...

Spleen: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the spleen?

The spleen is a solid organ about the size of hand, which is located under the diaphragm in the left upper part of the abdomen mostly covered by ribs.
An extremely stupid and ill-educated person, normally with no sense. Almost up there with a throbber. Main Boys

Why the spleen?

The spleen is one of the body's organs which works like the filter in a carburetor-removing wastes and "foreign" bodies. Normally, platelets pass though the spleen, but with ITP, the spleen filters out the antibody-coated platelets "by mistake" because of the antibodies. This organ is also thought to be where some people make the anti-platelet antibody.

What is the function of spleen?

The spleen is part of the blood filtering system. Its main function is to identify and destroy old worn out blood cells. It also helps the immune system to identify and respond to some micro-organism and helps our body to protect from them.

When is it necessary to remove the spleen?

In following circumstances It is necessary to remove the spleen called as splenectomy: Traumatic rupture. Site of excessive blood cell destruction. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP). Problem due to huge residual spleen after infection leads to splenomegaly. Some neoplastic disease conditions.

Is there a zine called SPLEEN?

Yes-sir-ee-bob! SPLEEN, which this FAQ maintainer found out about on alt.spleen, is a terribly funny little zine. The first issue had us rolling on the floor. It's not well advertised, however, so if you want information you probably should send mail to SPLEEN's creator, Dave Gulow ( guhlowd@nevada.edu ). Or you can write to him at:
spleen FAQ: 43 Is there a zine called SPLEEN?
Source: stason.org

Where did the spleen get such a beautiful name?

Etymologist Brian Youmans ( pathetic@panix.com ) came up with the following etymology. According to Brian: "[the word 'spleen'] has very ancient roots, going back to the Middle English, 'splen', the Old French 'esplen', the Latin 'splen', the Greek 'splen' (long e there), and the Indo-European 'sphelgh', from which the Sanscrit 'plihan' (long i) and Old Slavic 'slezena'. "
spleen FAQ: 09 Where did the spleen get such a beautiful name?
Source: stason.org

Do I have a spleen?

Yes! Unless it was removed, you have a spleen. Some people are even born with more than one spleen. The spleen is a wonderful thing, and you should be aware of your own spleen.
spleen FAQ: 07 Do I have a spleen?
Source: stason.org

Does trephination hurt your spleen?

Yes, it does. Generally, mental functions can be split into two groups: very important ones, and less important ones. The brain takes care of the less important mental functions, leaving the spleen free to carry out the much more important ones. Often, after trephination, less important mental functions that were carried out by the brain must now taken over by the spleen, interfering with its usual load of important functions, which can cause premature burnout and severe buildup (see above).
spleen FAQ: 31 Does trephination hurt your spleen?
Source: stason.org

Why did you have your spleen removed?

When I was eleven, I fell off the ladder to our tree house. The same thing happened to Karen in LS #81, Karen's Accident.

Can I vent my spleen on alt.spleen?

This is, perhaps, the most-asked question on alt.spleen. Tom Mary Dobrowolsky ( lwolf@jaka.ece.uiuc.edu ) has an answer: "Well you can certainly talk about it here on this here NEWSGROUP. However, proper spleen venting, unless you are absolutely certain you know what you are doing, should be done by a duly certified spleen mechanic. "I shouldn't have to tell you the humorous but really dangerous stories of 'armchair mechanic' spleen owners venting their spleens and ending up with leftover parts afterwards. ...

Are the rumors of spleen violence true?

Oddly enough, yes. Researcher Daniel Martinez ( dm5i@andrew.cmu.edu ) has discovered these alarming facts: "Apparently the widespread adoption of the stiletto as a weapon of murder in southern Italy during the late Middle Ages was an indirect consequence of the swampiness of the region. The low, wet areas were ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and as a consequence Malaria was quite common there. ...
spleen FAQ: 10 Are the rumors of spleen violence true?
Source: stason.org

What kind of medical problems involve the spleen?

The rupture of the spleen is the most common problem which leads to its removal. Usually this is due to some type of trauma. The bleeding from spleen is not easily stop and sometime leads to shock and death. Usually spleen is protected under the rib. Chances of Injury of spleen is more if it is enlarged due to some disease condition like malaria, kala-azar or sickle cell disease.. The other problem which leads to removal of spleen are abscesses and infarctions. ...

Does it cause any problem if you don't have a spleen?

Spleen is important to help defend your body against bacteria infection. Therefore the risk of infection will increase following splenectomy.

Why would anyone want a girlfriend WITHOUT a spleen?

Again, brain specialist Elijah the Bearded has this to say: "Having an SO without a spleen means you can clone your own spleen in the cavity from the other's splenectomy. This is a kinky perversion popular with graduates from Townshend Harris High School (in NYC). The idea apparent extends from a desire to have complete spleen compatability. With this lovers can exchange spleens as loving momentos during times of separation. ...

How can I keep my spleen clean?

Noted spleen researcher David Calvin (calvid@nason105.its.rpi.edu) finds that Pledge is the only way to remove waxy Spam buildup. However, for everyday cleaning, Windex or soap and water, plus a rubdown with a paper towel or a lint-free cloth, should suffice. Never tumble dry your spleens, they bruise easily when exposed to heat. David Calvin notes that Pledge and Spam are important elements to a happy spleen, and should not be ignored. ...
Source: www.faqdb.eu

How do you get rid of a spleen?

Ah, one of the Great Questions of Our Time. Here's the best solution that has been proposed to date: "...just bring it out to your local forest preserve which is overpopulated with squirrels. Then say the following word: 'spleetzi' At this point drop the spleen (WARNING: do not bend over to set it down, just drop the damn thing) and then run like hell. Hopefully your car isn't far away, so you can jump in (Check the seat first before sitting down) and speed off. ...
Source: www.faqdb.eu
spleen FAQ: 26 How do you get rid of a spleen?
Source: stason.org

Does the spleen change size or shape? Like, does it get big?

Yes. Slight enlargement of the spleen is normal during and after digestion, and the size of the spleen in human adults usually ranges from 100 to 250 grams (3.5 to 8.3 ounces). Abnormal enlargement, or splenomegaly, may occur in the course of a number of diseases. For some of these diseases, and in the case when the spleen ruptures, surgical removal of the organ (splenectomy, as horrible as the thought may be) may prove to be beneficial. ...

How do I care for my spleen?

spleen FAQ: 08 How do I care for my spleen?
Source: stason.org

What are the differences between the “Spleen Strengthening Formula” and other dampness eliminating products?

The major concerns of other dampness eliminating products are origins and ingredients of Chinese herbs used are unknown. Further, some Chinese herbs require to be cooked before use, and therefore it is time-consuming and inconvenient. The“Spleen Nourishing Formula” is formulated by The Baptist University’s experienced practitioner after years of clinically proven of efficacy. All used natural Chinese herbs are strictly selected, and are natural, mild with no added sugar. ...

So what is that spleen thing, anyway?

The easiest way to answer that question is to consult the dictionary: ------------- cut here ------------ Word SPLEEN (SPLEEN) n. Definition --n. 1. a. One of the largest lymphoid structures in human beings, a visceral organ composed of a white pulp of lymphatic nodules and tissue and a red pulp of venous sinusoids in a framework of fibrous partitions lying on the left side below the diaphragm, functioning as a blood filter and to store blood. b. A homologous organ or tissue in other vertebrates. 2. Obs. ...
Source: www.faqdb.eu

Does giving blood have any adverse effects on the spleen?

Contrat lawyer Brian Neal (bneal@sdcc13.ucsd.edu) has some information on this. It turns out that the spleen has some contractual obligation with the rest of the body: "I just exercised my spleen today! Actually, i only gave blood. But I've heard that the spleen contracts to share some more of its blood with the body, when one loses blood..." This is as yet untested in the courts.
Source: www.faqdb.eu

So this is Spleen! under a different name then?

Yes and no. Certain sections of 'classic Spleen! ' have been retained, namely The Shallow Grave Awards, Joey Deacon and some of our other humourous/rant based material. New material will certainly be in the tradtional Spleen! vein, so it's more of a case of JudasCow in association with Spleen!, hence the logos We've also diversified into trippy and hard to find music video releases via the tried and tested medium of Usenet. ...

Can I splendify my spleen by adding aluminum siding?

Rob Piltz ( rrp@cs.arizona.edu ) has this to say: "While aluminum siding requires little maintenance after it has been installed, I still prefer the look of natural cedar shake siding. It may be more work, but I think that overall you will be pleased with it, you can stain it any color you like. Plus, your spleen will like it better. Natural wood feels more comfortable to your spleen than hard, cold aluminum. A comfortable spleen is a happy spleen. " It has been noted that aluminum siding chafes spleens. ...
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