Spleen
LUQ
The spleen is an organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, just beneath the rib cage. The main functions of the spleen are to filter blood, remove old or damaged red blood cells and to store and release white blood cells. It is also a part of the immune system, and plays a role in fighting infections, as well as storing and producing antibodies. The spleen can become enlarged (splenomegaly) due to a variety of reasons, such as certain infections, liver disease, and blood disorders. In some cases, an enlarged spleen may need to be surgically removed (splenectomy) if it becomes dangerously enlarged or is causing other health problems. However, the long-term effects of living without a spleen can increase the risk of certain infections and individuals who have undergone a splenectomy may need to receive immunizations or take prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections. Overall, the spleen plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system and proper blood function.
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