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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Spleen and Liver?

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The spleen and liver are two important internal organs found in the abdomen of the human body, but they have different functions and sizes:

  • Size and Location: The spleen is a fist-sized organ found in the upper left side of the abdomen, while the liver is a football-sized organ found in the upper right side of the abdomen.
  • Functions: The spleen plays a vital role in the immune system and the modulation of the immune system, including the maintenance of differentiation and activation of T and B cells and production of antibodies. It also acts as a filter for the blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells. The liver, on the other hand, performs more than 300 functions, mainly involved in detoxifying the blood and storing nutrients.

In summary, the key difference between the spleen and liver is their size, location, and functions. The spleen is a smaller organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, playing a crucial role in the immune system and blood filtration, while the liver is a larger organ in the upper right side of the abdomen, responsible for detoxifying the blood and performing numerous other functions.

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  • What is the Difference Between Spleen and Liver?
  • Comparative Table: Spleen vs Liver

    • Comparative Table: Spleen vs Liver

    The liver and spleen are both vital organs in the human body, but they serve different functions. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Feature Liver Spleen
    Organ Largest internal organ and gland Crescent-shaped organ located in the abdomen, between the diaphragm and the stomach
    Function Maintains blood glucose levels, detoxifies the body, produces proteins and enzymes, and helps with digestion Filters blood, removes old or damaged blood cells, and helps fight infections
    Location Upper right quadrant of the abdomen, partially protected by the rib cage Left upper quadrant of the abdomen below the diaphragm
    Size About the size of a football About the size of a fist
    Lobe(s) Two (left and right lobes) Not applicable
    Structure Consists of quadrants (anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior) Divided into sections containing red and white pulp
    Weight Approximately 1.8 kg for a healthy adult Approximately 0.2 kg for a healthy adult
    Shape Smooth, relatively uniform appearance Rough, soft texture with irregular margins

    The liver plays a critical role in maintaining various bodily functions, while the spleen is a secondary peripheral lymphoid organ that plays an important role in the immune system and the maintenance of the differentiation and activation of T and B cells and production of antibodies in the white pulp.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.