The Spleen
Understanding this important organ that filters blood and fights infections
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.
Part of the Lymphatic System
The spleen is part of the lymphatic system, which is an extensive drainage network. The lymphatic (lim-FAT-ik) 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, keeping your blood clean and healthy
Controls Blood Levels
Helps control the amount of blood and blood cells that circulate in the body
Helps Get Rid of Germs
The spleen has special white blood cells that attack and destroy germs:
Lymphocytes
(LIM-fuh-sites)
Macrophages
(MA-kruh-fages)
These cells attack and destroy germs, and remove them from the blood that passes through the spleen.
Storage Function
The body also uses the spleen as a place to store blood and iron for future use
Key Takeaway
The spleen plays a crucial role in protecting your body from infections by filtering blood and fighting germs with specialized white blood cells.
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.
Injury Severity Scale
Doctors grade spleen lacerations on a scale from 1–5:
Modern Treatment Approach
In the past, doctors often did a surgery called splenectomy (splih-NEK-tuh-mee) 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.
Diseases That Can Affect the Spleen
Sickle Cell Disease
Some diseases can affect the spleen. For example, sickle cell disease damages the spleen early in childhood and it soon stops working.
So people with sickle cell disease need extra protection from the germs that the spleen normally filters out.
Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)
When someone has infectious mononucleosis, their spleen can get larger than usual.
⚠️ Important Warning:
A spleen that is bigger than it should be is more likely to be injured.
So someone who has mono needs to avoid contact sports until their spleen is back to normal size.
Protecting Your Child's Spleen
The spleen is protected by the ribcage, but injuries can still happen
🏈 During Sports
- • Wear appropriate protective gear
- • Be cautious with contact sports
- • Report any abdominal pain immediately
- • Follow safety rules and guidelines
🤕 After Injury or Illness
- • Seek medical attention for abdominal trauma
- • Avoid sports if child has mono
- • Follow doctor's rest recommendations
- • Wait for clearance before resuming activities
Remember
The spleen plays a vital role in fighting infections. Taking precautions to protect it, especially during physical activities and illnesses, helps keep your child healthy.
🔑 Quick Facts About the Spleen
Location
Upper left belly, under the ribcage
Size
About the size of a fist
Function
Filters blood and fights infections
System
Part of the lymphatic system