The spleen is the largest lymphoid organ, in the left upper abdomen behind the stomach and beneath the ribs. It filters blood, removes old red blood cells and takes part in immune responses. The splenic artery, a branch of the celiac trunk, supplies it.
| Location | Left hypochondrium, against the diaphragm, under ribs 9 to 11. |
|---|---|
| Structure | Red pulp for filtering blood, white pulp with lymphoid tissue, hilum for vessels, surrounded by a capsule. |
| Function | Filters blood, recycles iron from red blood cells, stores platelets and contributes to immune surveillance. |
| Blood supply | Splenic artery from the celiac trunk; drained by the splenic vein into the portal system. |
| Innervation | Celiac plexus. |
3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.
The spleen is not essential for life, but people without a spleen are more susceptible to infections by encapsulated bacteria and receive vaccination advice.
In the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, behind the stomach and protected by the lower ribs.
Yes, but the risk of certain serious infections is higher.
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