When comparing the blood smears of patients with intact spleens to those of patients

without spleens, the blood smears of patients without spleens will likely reveal
A. many more fragile and old erythrocytes.
B. many more lymphocytes and monocytes.
C. many more bacteria.
D. less red blood cells.

To determine the answer to this question, we need to understand the role of the spleen in the body and how it affects blood components.

The spleen is an organ located in the upper left region of the abdomen. It plays a significant role in the immune system and blood filtration. One of its functions is to remove old or damaged red blood cells from circulation. Therefore, patients without spleens might have certain differences in their blood smears compared to those with intact spleens.

To find the answer, we can analyze each option:

A. Many more fragile and old erythrocytes: The spleen is responsible for recycling old or damaged red blood cells. Without a spleen, these cells may not be efficiently removed from circulation, leading to an increased number of fragile and old erythrocytes. So this option could be a possible answer.

B. Many more lymphocytes and monocytes: The presence of lymphocytes and monocytes in blood smears is not directly related to the spleen. These are types of white blood cells that are part of the immune system and can be affected by various conditions. Therefore, this option is less likely to be the answer.

C. Many more bacteria: The presence of bacteria in blood smears may indicate an infection or a compromised immune system. However, this is not directly associated with the absence of a spleen. So this option is less likely to be the answer.

D. Less red blood cells: The spleen primarily removes old or damaged red blood cells, but it does not store a significant amount of red blood cells. Therefore, the absence of a spleen is unlikely to result in a decrease in the number of red blood cells. This option is less likely to be the answer.

Considering the explanations above, the most likely answer to the question is A. Many more fragile and old erythrocytes.