The spleen is one of the parts of the lymphatic system in the body, and helps the lymphatic system to form infection-fighting white blood cells, in addition to several other functions that we will talk about in the next article. So read on to find out where this is located in the organ in the human body? And what are its functions?

What is the spleen?

The spleen is a small organ located within the left part of the rib cage, behind the ribs, under the diaphragm and just above the stomach.

It is an oblong fist-shaped organ, in addition to being purple in color, and in adults it is about the size of an avocado. It weighs between 70.8 to 198 grams in healthy individuals, and may become slightly larger when a person is ill or injured.

This organ consists of two types of tissue, each of which performs different functions, namely:

• White pulp: It is part of the immune system and fights infection with antibodies.
• Red pulp: This part acts as a filter, and it eliminates bacteria and viruses.

What are the functions of the spleen?

This organ performs many important functions to maintain the health of the body, which include:

• stores blood.
• It purifies the blood by removing and getting rid of old or damaged blood cells.
• It produces white blood cells and antibodies that help you fight infection.
• Maintains the balance of fluid levels in the body.
• Synthesizes substances that play an important role in inflammation and healing.

Diseases of the spleen

Many different conditions, diseases, disorders and injuries affect the way he works and functions. These conditions include the following:

Tips for maintaining a healthy spleen

To keep the body’s spleen, lymphatic system and immune system healthy, you should:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercising regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Can a person live without a spleen?

Although the spleen performs many important body functions, you can live without it. In some rare cases, some people are born without a spleen, and in other times the doctor may perform surgery to remove the spleen. Because it is damaged or diseased, and in this case the liver takes over many of its duties and functions.