The spleen is an organ in the upper left side of the abdomen. It filters the blood by removing old or damaged blood cells and platelets. It also helps the immune system by destroying bacteria and other foreign substances. The spleen holds extra blood that can be released into the circulatory system if needed.
Current as of: February 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & W. David Colby IV MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease & Elizabeth T. Russo MD - Internal Medicine
