Abstract
THE number of functions attributed to any organ o*o is often a direct measure of our ignorance as to its real status in the animal economy. The spleen has suffered much from a multiplicity of theories as to its functions, but only two appear to be generally accepted; in foetal life it acts as one of the sources oi the cells of the blood, whilst in the adult these cells, especially the red cells, are here broken down and destroyed when they become worn out. It appears from recent work by Prof. J. Barcroft and his collaborators, an account of which is given in the Lancet of February 14, that a further extremely important function must be attributed to this organ; in their opinion it acts as a storehouse for the red cells of the blood, a number of which may be kept there ready to be brought back into the circulation at a time of emergency.
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The Function of the Spleen. Nature 115, 397 (1925). https://doi.org/10.1038/115397a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/115397a0