The
spleen is an organ in the upper far left part of the abdomen, to the left of the stomach. The
spleen varies in size and shape between people, but it’s commonly fist-shaped, purple, and about 4 inches long. Because the
spleen is protected by the rib cage, you can’t easily feel it unless it’s abnormally enlarged.
The
spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body. It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old red blood
cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood
cells are stored there. The
spleen also helps fight certain kinds of bacteria that cause
pneumonia and meningitis.
Relevant Topics in Medical Sciences
