What does having 2 spleens mean?

Polysplenia, or multiple spleens, is due to the absence of fusion of the primordial germs of the spleen. Therefore, between 1 and 6 small spleens are present in the abdominal cavity with dimensions between 1 cm and 6 cm; however, the total volume does not exceed the volume of a normal spleen [9].

Can someone have 2 spleens?

Occasionally individuals are born with more than one spleen. In fact, the total amount of splenic tissue in these individuals is about the same as in an individual with a single spleen, but the tissue is separated into two (sometimes more) separate pieces.

What is a second spleen called?

An accessory spleen, also called a supernumerary spleen, a splenule, or a splenunculus, is a benign and asymptomatic condition in which splenic tissue is found outside the normal spleen.

What happens if you have an extra spleen?

Accessory spleens are found in 10–30% of patients. They are usually asymptomatic. Rarely they can become torsed around a vascular pedicle. Torsion of an accessory spleen can cause abdominal pain and acute abdomen.

How many spleens do humans have?

There are two parts of the spleen. They each do different jobs.

What do spleens do?

The spleen has some important functions: it fights invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells) it controls the level of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) it filters the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells.

What does the spleen symbolize?

The Spleen, with its paired Official, the Stomach, represents the Earth Element within us. Earth, in the cycle of the five seasons, is associated with the Late Summer – harvest time. While each season has its unique and irreplaceable purpose, the promise of a harvest is the culmination of all.

Is having no spleen a disability?

Under Diagnostic Code 7706, a splenectomy warrants a 20 percent disability rating. This diagnostic code also provides the instruction to rate complications such as systemic infections with encapsulated bacteria separately.

What is the anatomy of the spleen?

An easy way to remember the anatomy of the spleen is the 1×3×5×7×9×10×11 rule. The spleen is 1 by 3 by 5 inches (3 by 8 by 13 cm), weighs approximately 7 oz (200 g), and lies between the 9th and 11th ribs on the left-hand side and it’s along the axis of 10th rib

Is it possible to have more than one spleen?

Doctor’s response. Occasionally individuals are born with more than one spleen. In fact, the total amount of splenic tissue in these individuals is about the same as in an individual with a single spleen, but the tissue is separated into two (sometimes more) separate pieces.

What is it called when one spleen is smaller than another?

One piece often is smaller than the other and is referred to as an accessory spleen. Multiple (accessory) spleens do not cause medical problems, and nothing is done about them. Rarely, accessory spleens may be confused with tumors.

What is the difference between a single and an accessory spleen?

In fact, the total amount of splenic tissue in these individuals is about the same as in an individual with a single spleen, but the tissue is separated into two (sometimes more) separate pieces. One piece often is smaller than the other and is referred to as an accessory spleen.