PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your blood filter + immune backup center

THE SPLEEN

The spleen is like a combo blood filter and immune training center tucked under your ribcage.
It cleans your blood, removes old or damaged cells, and helps your immune system respond to infections.

Think of it as a quality-control station — making sure only healthy cells stay in circulation, while activating immune cells when something looks suspicious.

Here’s what it helps with:

  • Filters the blood and removes old or damaged red blood cells

  • Detects bacteria, viruses, and other invaders in the blood

  • Stores and activates white blood cells to fight infection

  • Stores extra platelets and releases them when needed (injury, bleeding)

  • Helps make antibodies as part of the adaptive immune response

SPLEEN BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for spleen-related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Filtration - The process of removing unwanted cells or particles from blood

Lymphoid Tissue - Tissue that produces and stores immune cells

Splenectomy - Surgical removal of the spleen

Antibody - A protein that targets specific invaders so immune cells can attack

Platelet Reservoir - Storage of extra clotting cells in the spleen

Red Pulp / White Pulp - Areas of the spleen for filtering blood (red) and immune activation (white)

WHAT THE SPLEEN WORKS WITH

the spleen + OTHER SYSTEMS

  1. Bloodstream → Delivers blood to be filtered and carries away healthy cells

  2. Bone Marrow → Supplies red and white blood cells for the spleen to process/use

  3. Lymph Nodes → Work together to activate and coordinate immune responses

  4. Immune Cells → Travel through the spleen and are activated when threats are detected

  5. Liver → Can take over some filtering functions if the spleen is removed

a Healthy spleen

  • Keeps your blood clean and functioning properly

  • Quickly activates immune cells during an infection

  • Supports antibody production and long-term immune memory

  • Helps control bleeding by releasing stored platelets when needed

    If the spleen is impaired or removed, the body becomes more vulnerable to infection and may need support from other immune organs (like the liver and lymph nodes).

    Your spleen works quietly behind the scenes — but it’s a key player in both immunity and overall blood health.