Spleen

The spleen and its location in the body

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.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine

Current as ofNovember 18, 2017

Current as of: November 18, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine