What is the main function of the spleen?

The main function of the spleen is indeed blood filtration and storage. Located in the upper left part of the abdomen, the spleen plays a crucial role in the body's immune response. It filters blood by removing old or damaged red blood cells and pathogens, enhancing the overall quality of circulating blood.

The spleen is also involved in storing platelets and white blood cells. This storage capability is important for maintaining a healthy immune system, as the organ acts as a reservoir for these components, releasing them into the bloodstream when needed, such as during times of infection or injury.

Understanding this function highlights the spleen's integral role in both hematological health and immune system support, distinguishing it from organ functions like hormonal regulation, which is primarily associated with glands such as the pituitary or adrenal glands, respiratory function, which is the domain of the lungs, and muscle coordination, which relies on the nervous system and muscles rather than the spleen's activities.