Abstract: Spleen is an organ with varied morphology, diverse functions and applied importance, all subject to many controversies in spite of centuries of studies on it. Aim of the study: To study the morphology of human spleen in different age groups, and to verify whether the specimens can be grouped into various types based on their morphology and the length of the hilum. Materials and Methods: Seventy formalin fixed human spleens obtained postmortem, were subject to study. They were classified into different age groups, in both sexes, for a detailed study of the morphological features, namely, weight, shape and type, appearance of hilum, notching of borders and fissuring of surfaces. Accessory spleen, cysts, lobulation and tubercles, if any, were looked for, along with other developmental anomalies. Observations and results: The average weight of spleen increased from the newborn to reach a maximum in the third decade and then decreased; it was invariably heavier in the males in all age groups. Specimens of all three types, distributed, compact and intermediate, and all four shapes, triangular, wedge shaped, ovoid and tetrahedral were observed. Notching was seen most frequently on the superior border. Eight specimens showed anterior lobule, four showed posterior tubercle and one specimen showed an accessory spleen close to the hilum. Conclusion: Classification of spleen into the three morphological types is valid, considering the external features and the length of the hilum. More studies are required correlating the morphology with microscopy and histogenesis.
Keywords: Spleen, Morphological types, Development, Congenital anomalies
Title: Morphological Variations of Human Spleen in Different Age Groups
Author: Dr Lizamma Alex, Dr Anju George, Mrs Bency Xavier, Sr Princy Jacob, Mrs Kumari Deepa Rani, Dr Gaddam Vijaya Lakshmi
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
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