Purpose of the Spleen

The spleen is a mysterious organ and its purpose is little understood. Historically, the spleen was thought to be the source of what was called melancholia--what we now consider depression--and the literal source of having a hot temper. The spleen serves a substantial purpose in that it helps with immune system function and blood filtering and production. In many instances, an injury to the spleen is serious and potentially life-threatening.

Blood Filter

According to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UMPC, the primary purpose of the spleen is to filter blood, similar to the function of the liver. While we may not often think about the spleen as a blood-filtering organ, it is one of the most vascular organs in the human body. As it works to clean blood, it filters out damaged red cells and uses macrophages (white blood cells) to clean damaged blood from the system.

Blood Recycling Center

The spleen also acts as a recycling center for blood products, according to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UMPC. Components from old, damaged blood cells, like iron and hemoglobin are recycled in the spleen and returned to the bone marrow and the circulatory system to create new healthy blood. Hemoglobin travels from the bone marrow through the blood system, transporting oxygen to the lungs where it is processed.

Blood Storage

One of the functions of the spleen is to store reserve blood for the body. The vessels of the spleen can contract and expand according to the body's needs. This allows the spleen to store up to 1 cup of reserve blood at any one time so that if the body needs a reserve amount of blood in case of injury or illness, it will be available.

Immune System

According to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UMPC, the spleen plays a key role in the function of the immune system. As the spleen filters blood, it removes damaged red blood cells that are the result of infection. By processing damaged cells out of the body, the spleen produces white blood cells which produce antibodies and help the body fight off infections and bacteria that may cause illness.

Lymphocytes

Another function of the spleen is the production of white blood cells, which are called lymphocytes. Without white blood cells, humans would not be able to fight off infections and bacteria. Also, lymphocytes help the body repair itself when injured. The spleen works in conjunction with the lymph nodes to produce lymphocytes to fight off bacteria and viruses.

References

• Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UMPC