ACCESSORY SPLEEN Meaning and
Definition
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An accessory spleen, also known as a splenule, is a small secondary spleen-like structure that can develop in the body. This additional organ is typically found near the main spleen or in close proximity to other organs, such as the stomach, kidney, or adrenal gland. Although not a fully functioning spleen, an accessory spleen resembles the main spleen in its microscopic structure and function.
The presence of an accessory spleen is usually congenital, meaning it is present at birth, but it can also develop later in life due to various factors. It is believed that accessory spleens occur due to the failure of certain cells to merge during fetal development, resulting in the formation of multiple spleen-like structures. These structures are usually small, ranging from a few millimeters to a couple of centimeters in size.
While an accessory spleen generally poses no harm or symptoms, it can occasionally become enlarged or misdiagnosed as another abdominal mass. In such cases, it might be mistaken for a tumor or lymph node, leading to further investigation such as imaging tests or biopsies to confirm its nature.
The presence of accessory spleens is typically harmless and does not require any treatment. However, in exceptional cases where they become enlarged or cause discomfort, surgical removal may be considered. Overall, an accessory spleen is an additional spleen-like structure that is benign, generally asymptomatic, and can be found near the main spleen or other organs in the body.
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Splenculus, splenule, an isolated body, composed of splenic tissue, found usually in one of the peritoneal folds or elsewhere.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACCESSORY SPLEEN
- zccessory spleen
- sccessory spleen
- wccessory spleen
- qccessory spleen
- axcessory spleen
- avcessory spleen
- afcessory spleen
- adcessory spleen
- acxessory spleen
- acvessory spleen
- acfessory spleen
- acdessory spleen
- accwssory spleen
- accsssory spleen
- accdssory spleen
- accrssory spleen
- acc4ssory spleen
- acc3ssory spleen
- acceasory spleen
- accezsory spleen
Etymology of ACCESSORY SPLEEN
The word "accessory spleen" is a combination of two terms: "accessory" and "spleen".
The term "accessory" comes from the Latin word "accessorius", which means "aiding" or "assisting". It is derived from the Latin verb "accedere", meaning "to approach" or "to go to". In English, "accessory" refers to something supplementary or additional, indicating that it is not the primary component but serves to support or augment something else.
The word "spleen" comes from the Latin word "splen", which was borrowed from the Greek word "splḗn". It refers to a large, highly vascular organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, involved in filtering blood, producing immune cells, and storing red blood cells.
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