Question

1. what is splenomegaly? _______________

what might cause an enlarged spleen? _______________

1. what are the functions of the spleen? _______________

Explanation:

1. Splenomegaly is a medical term for an enlarged spleen. Common causes include infections, blood disorders, liver diseases, and certain cancers.
2. The spleen has key roles in filtering blood, storing immune cells and platelets, and fighting infections.

Answer:

1. What is splenomegaly? Splenomegaly refers to the abnormal enlargement of the spleen.

What might cause an enlarged spleen? Potential causes include viral/bacterial infections (like mononucleosis, malaria), blood disorders (like sickle cell anemia, leukemia), liver diseases (like cirrhosis), and inflammatory conditions.

1. What are the functions of the spleen?

• Filters old/damaged red blood cells from circulation
• Stores platelets and white blood cells (immune cells)
• Helps fight off bacterial and viral infections by producing immune responses
• Recycles iron from broken-down red blood cells