The spleen is a small organ that stores and filters blood The spleen is made up of 2 basic types of tissue, each with different functions As part of the immune system, it also makes blood cells that protect you from infection.
The spleen filters your blood and also stores your red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells The spleen has a covering of fibrous tissue (the splenic capsule) that supports its blood vessels and lymphatic vessels But if your spleen is removed, other parts of the lymphatic system can take over these functions.
Similar in structure to a large lymph node, it acts primarily as a blood filter The spleen plays important roles in regard to red blood cells (erythrocytes) and the immune system Get facts about spleen biology Learn about its location and functions
Discover whether you can live without a spleen and the problems. The spleen plays a role in the immune system and the blood We will explain what the spleen does, the types of cells involved, and what happens when it goes wrong. Location, function, causes of splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) and splenic pain as well as related health issues.
It is a soft, purple, vascular organ, shaped like a small smooth rounded catcher's mitt with notches on the upper front edge The spleen contains blood vessels to filter blood and lymph, conserve iron, store blood and serve immune functions.
