Blood-forming organs
in Health ·
The spleen functions as a vital immune organ—essentially a nursery where lymphocytes are produced. Beyond that, it acts as a filtration system, scrubbing harmful components from the bloodstream and handling the phagocytosis of aged red blood cells. It also serves as a significant blood reservoir; the organ can actually contract to release stored blood into the system if you suffer an injury or similar trauma, which helps stave off shock caused by excessive blood loss.
That being said, I suppose we can technically survive without it—since other organs can pick up the slack. For instance, lymphocytes are generated in other immune tissues, and the liver handles much of the phagocytic workload.
That being said, I suppose we can technically survive without it—since other organs can pick up the slack. For instance, lymphocytes are generated in other immune tissues, and the liver handles much of the phagocytic workload.