The Spleen as a Filter

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In this issue of the Journal, Looareesuwan et al. describe alterations in the function of the spleen in the course of malaria.1 Such a report could not have been written until quite recently, because although the spleen was known to the ancients, its function remained mysterious. Hippocrates thought it was the source of "black bile." Because of its spongy nature, Galen thought it was a filter whose purpose was to purify the humors derived from the liver or from the blood.2 He recognized the relation between splenomegaly and jaundice and ascribed the increase in the size of the spleen . . .