The spleen is an organ about the size of a fist, located in the upper left side of your abdomen, just under the ribs — near your stomach and pancreas.
Though you can live without it, the spleen plays important roles in:
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Immune system
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Blood filtering
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Recycling of red blood cells
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Storing blood
🩸 Functions of the Spleen
1. 🛡️ Immune Defense
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The spleen detects bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in the blood.
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It produces white blood cells (lymphocytes) and antibodies to fight infections.
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It acts like a surveillance system, constantly screening your blood for threats.
2. 🧪 Blood Filtration
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The spleen filters your blood, removing:
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Old or damaged red blood cells
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Clumps of cells (like from sickle cell disease)
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Pathogens or debris
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It’s like a blood-cleaning factory.
3. ♻️ Recycles Red Blood Cells
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Old red blood cells are broken down in the spleen.
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Iron and hemoglobin from these cells are recycled and sent back to the bone marrow to make new cells.
4. 💉 Stores Blood
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The spleen stores:
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Platelets (for blood clotting)
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White blood cells
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Sometimes extra red blood cells
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In emergencies (like bleeding), it can release this reserve into the bloodstream.
🧠 Key Facts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Organ type | Lymphoid organ |
| Location | Upper left abdomen |
| Size | About 12 cm, ~150 grams in adults |
| Can you live without it? | ✅ Yes, but with higher infection risk |
| Related systems | Circulatory system, Immune system |
🚨 What happens if the spleen is removed?
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It's called a splenectomy.
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Your liver and other organs can take over some functions.
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However, you may be more vulnerable to infections (especially bacterial).
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People without a spleen may need vaccinations and antibiotics as precautions.
🔍 Fun Facts
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In medieval times, the spleen was thought to control emotions like laughter or anger!
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Some animals (like seals) use their spleen to store oxygen-rich blood for deep diving.