which of the following is not a function of the spleen? question 44 options: a) hematopoiesis b) reservoir for blood c) white blood cell destruction d) platelet destruction
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is c) white blood cell destruction.
Explanation:
The spleen is a critical organ in the lymphatic and immune systems, primarily involved in filtering blood and supporting various functions related to immune response, blood storage, and the maintenance of blood components. It performs several important functions:
- Hematopoiesis (a):
- In the fetus, the spleen plays a role in hematopoiesis, the process of blood cell formation. Although this function diminishes after birth (with the bone marrow taking over as the primary site for hematopoiesis), it can resume in cases of severe anemia or certain disorders, allowing the spleen to produce blood cells when needed.
- Reservoir for blood (b):
- The spleen acts as a reservoir for blood, storing a significant volume of blood that can be released into circulation when necessary, such as in cases of hemorrhage or trauma. The spleen contains a large amount of red blood cells, which can be mobilized in emergencies to help maintain blood volume and pressure.
- Platelet destruction (d):
- The spleen is involved in the destruction of old or damaged platelets. It is home to a vast network of macrophages that break down and remove aged platelets from circulation, a process essential for maintaining a healthy platelet count in the bloodstream.
However, the spleen does not primarily destroy white blood cells. White blood cells (leukocytes) are involved in immune responses, and while the spleen filters the blood and removes pathogens or infected cells, its role is not to destroy white blood cells per se. Instead, it supports immune surveillance by trapping and presenting antigens to the immune system and filtering out foreign particles, bacteria, and aged red blood cells.
Thus, white blood cell destruction is not a primary function of the spleen, making option c the correct answer.