Where's the spleen? What roles do you have? Although without it you can live, it fulfills many important functions in our body.

The spleen is located on the left side of the abdominal cavity under the ribs and is not detectable if it is healthy. It is an organ belonging to two systems, hence its two-colour structure (white connective tissue surrounded by red pulp). It is spleened as part of the lymphatic system (lymphocytes) and blood (blood elements). Because of its anatomic characteristics, it can change its volume.

In short, the spleen is a catalyst – it cleans blood. It is in the spleen that blood is purified – unnecessary erythrocytes and platelets - thrombocytopenia are removed. Residuals do not contaminate the body, they go to the liver and become a component of bile. In addition, antibodies are produced in the spleen. Splenic erythrocytes have a very important role to play in fetal life, and are therefore formed in its first weeks.

After resection of spleens, e.g. after communication accidents, its functions are assumed by other organs. Blood purification is then performed by the liver, and the immune functions are mainly assumed by lymph nodes. Without spleen, the immune system is weakened.

Source: https://enel.pl/