Spleen

The spleen lies under the diaphragm on the left side of the abdominal cavity, behind the stomach and beneath the 9th, 10th and 11th ribs. The spleen acts as a filter against foreign organisms that infiltrate the bloodstream and also filters out old red blood cells from the bloodstream and decomposes them. During this process it also is involved in the metabolism of iron. As it filters defective red blood cells from the system, it salvages the iron for re-use in the creation of new cells. The spleen also acts as a blood reservoir; during stress or at other times when additional blood is needed the spleen contracts, forcing stored blood into circulation. The spleen also plays a role in the immune system producing substances that enhance destruction of foreign elements. Despite these functions, the spleen is not vital to life and individuals can function without it, although it is now thought that in its absence the individual is at a greater risk of infection and disease