Morphological Study of Human Spleen in Different Age Groups

Spleen is the largest lymphoid organ. It is a haemolymphatic organ containing large amount of lymphatic tissues and plays a vital role in metabolism and defence mechanism of body. It is the largest lymphoid organ and its size varies with individuals' age, sex and underlying metabolic conditions. Spleen takes an important part in body immunity, as high incidences of serious bacterial infections were reported following splenectomy in infancy. A research work was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Gauhati Medical College. The morphological characteristics of 21 normal human spleens were studied in different age groups and to correlate them functionally. The specimen of spleen varies from newborn to eighty year old cadavers, within stipulated time limit after fulfilling the formalities. The spleens were first washed in normal saline, dried with blotting paper, weight was taken by electronic weighing machine and dimensions are measured by verniar calliper. The dimensions and weight were measured and statistically analysed. The recorded data were then statistically analysed using Student's T-test. P value 0.05 is considered as statistically significant. The data obtained in this study will help in certain medico-legal practices. This study may be used as a pedestal for further sophisticated studies.