What does the spleen do? Your spleen: Stores blood. Filters blood by removing cellular waste and getting rid of old or damaged blood cells. Makes white blood cells and antibodies that help you fight infection. Maintains the levels of fluid in your body. Produces antibodies that protect you against infection. What are the parts of the spleen?

Aug 25, 2023 · Your spleen is an organ that sits just below your left rib cage. Many conditions — including infections, liver disease and some cancers — can cause an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen is also known as splenomegaly (spleh-no-MEG-uh-lee).

Dec 10, 2024 · The visceral peritoneum, a smooth membrane that’s composed of two layers of cells, covers the spleen. The membrane secretes fluid and serves a protective function. An opening in this membrane, called the hilum of the spleen, allows the splenic artery and vein to circulate blood to the organ.

Mar 5, 2024 · An enlarged spleen can be caused by many underlying health conditions. It's important to get treatment quickly to prevent complications, such as a ruptured spleen.

Dec 13, 2021 · The spleen is part of your body’s lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps remove cellular waste, maintain fluid balance, and make and activate infection-fighting white blood cells for the...

Several things can cause your spleen to enlarge, including inflammation, fat storage, pooled blood, benign or malignant growths and overproduction of cells. Some causes are temporary and others may indicate a chronic or progressive condition. Is an enlarged spleen serious?

Jan 19, 2024 · The spleen is a small organ inside your left rib cage, located just above the stomach. It contains numerous blood vessels that are responsible for filtering your blood as well as carrying and...

Jan 22, 2025 · It is the largest lymphoid organ in the body, containing white and red pulp, which are involved in immune responses and the removal of old or damaged red blood cells. The spleen is also a storage site for platelets and plays a role in recycling iron from hemoglobin.

May 1, 2023 · Splenic cords lead to splenic sinuses where macrophages respond to antigens and filter abnormal or aging erythrocytes out of blood flow. [4] A thin, fibrous capsule covers the spleen from which trabeculae arise. Trabeculae are fibrous bands transporting blood vessels to and from the splenic pulp. [5]

Jun 25, 2021 · The lymphatic system helps regulate the body’s fluids. As part of that system, the spleen redirects a fluid called lymph through a network of tissues, vessels and organs back into the bloodstream. The spleen also filters out and destroys old, damaged or malformed red blood cells from the circulatory system.