🫀 The Spleen: Blood Filtering & Immune Defense
Learn about the spleen's location, functions, and role in protecting your child's health
What Is the Spleen?
The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper left part of the belly under the ribcage. It helps protect the body by clearing worn-out red blood cells and other foreign bodies (such as germs) from the bloodstream.
The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, which is an extensive drainage network. The lymphatic system works to keep body fluid levels in balance and to defend the body against infections. It is made up of a network of lymphatic vessels that carry lymph — a clear, watery fluid that contains proteins, salts, and other substances — throughout the body.
What Does the Spleen Do?
The spleen is an important part of the immune system. It:
🔍 Acts as a Filter
Weeds out old and damaged cells from the bloodstream, keeping blood healthy and clean.
🩸 Controls Blood Levels
Helps control the amount of blood and blood cells that circulate in the body.
🛡️ Gets Rid of Germs
Has special white blood cells called lymphocytes and macrophages that attack, destroy, and remove germs from blood.
📦 Stores Blood & Iron
The body uses the spleen as a place to store blood and iron for future use.
What Problems Can Happen?
🤕 Spleen Injuries
A blow or blunt trauma to the abdomen can injure the spleen, causing it to tear ("lacerate") or be bruised. Doctors grade spleen lacerations on a scale from 1–5, where 1 is the least severe and 5 is the most severe.
In the past, doctors often did a surgery called splenectomy to remove an injured spleen. But most spleen bruises and lacerations heal with lots of rest and limiting physical activity. Because it's so important to preventing infections, doctors will do all they can to help an injured spleen heal without removing it.
🩸 Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease damages the spleen early in childhood and it soon stops working. People with sickle cell disease need extra protection from the germs that the spleen normally filters out.
🤒 Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)
When someone has mono, their spleen can get larger than usual. A spleen that is bigger than it should be is more likely to be injured. Someone who has mono needs to avoid contact sports until their spleen is back to normal size.
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Where exactly is the spleen located?
The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper left part of the belly, under the ribcage. It's protected by the rib cage to prevent injury.
❓ What are lymphocytes and macrophages?
Lymphocytes and macrophages are special white blood cells in the spleen. They attack and destroy germs and remove them from the blood that passes through the spleen.
❓ Can you live without a spleen?
Yes, people can live without a spleen, though other organs must take over its functions. People without a spleen need extra protection against certain infections and may need special vaccinations.
❓ How are spleen injuries graded?
Doctors grade spleen lacerations on a scale from 1–5, where 1 is the least severe (minor tear) and 5 is the most severe (severe damage or rupture).
❓ Why do doctors try to save an injured spleen instead of removing it?
Because the spleen is so important for preventing infections, doctors do all they can to help an injured spleen heal without removing it. Most spleen bruises and lacerations heal with rest and limiting physical activity.
❓ Why does the spleen enlarge with mono?
Infectious mononucleosis causes the spleen to work harder to filter germs, making it swell. An enlarged spleen is more vulnerable to injury, which is why people with mono should avoid contact sports until it returns to normal size.
📝Key Takeaways About the Spleen
🧬 Structure & Function
- ✓The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper left belly, protected by the ribcage.
- ✓It's part of the lymphatic system and works to filter blood and fight infections.
- ✓Contains lymphocytes and macrophages that attack and destroy germs.
- ✓Stores blood and iron for future use by the body.
💡 Health & Problems
- ✓Blunt trauma can cause spleen lacerations, graded 1-5 in severity.
- ✓Most spleen injuries heal with rest; doctors avoid removal when possible.
- ✓Sickle cell disease and mono can affect spleen function and size.
- ✓People without a spleen need extra protection against infections.
⚠️Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page about the spleen, its functions, spleen injuries, and related health topics is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is unique, and spleen-related concerns require individual assessment by qualified healthcare professionals.
Always consult with your child's pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about your child's spleen health, abdominal injuries, enlarged spleen, or any related symptoms. For medical emergencies (such as severe abdominal trauma), call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately. Content compiled from trusted pediatric health references and medically reviewed educational resources.