Spleen

(splên.) (From Gr. sp len.] (Anat.) A soft, spongy substance, situated on the left side, between the eleventh and twelfth false ribs (Fig. 265), and covered with a firm membrane, arising from the peritoneum. It is of an oval form, about one-fifth smaller than the liver; hollow towards the stomach, and convex towards the diaphragm and ribs; it is, however, not un frequently irregular, and has many fi ures. The use of the S. has been much controverted, but the most probable opinion seems to be, that it serves to render more fluid the blood, out of which the bile is to be afterwards secreted, and that by this means obstructions, which must otherwise be frequent, are prevented, and the secretion of the bile promoted. In figurative language we use the word S. for ill-humor; as, to vent one's S. [s. 848]