Where is the spleen located?
In the upper left abdomen, behind the stomach and under the ribs.
What does the spleen do?
- Filters old and damaged red blood cells
- Stores white blood cells and platelets
- Produces antibodies
- Traps bacteria and other pathogens
- Recycles iron from red blood cells
Key parts of the spleen
Red pulp
Filters blood and removes worn-out red cells.
White pulp
Immune tissue that produces lymphocytes.
Capsule
The tough outer covering.
Splenic artery & vein
Supply and drain the spleen’s blood.
How to keep your spleen healthy
- Protect the abdomen during contact sports
- Stay current with vaccines, especially without a spleen
- Seek care for left upper abdominal pain after injury
- Wash hands to prevent infections
- Follow up on an enlarged spleen
Holistic approach
Holistic Ways to Support Your Spleen
Gentle everyday practices plus three traditional herbs, with honest notes on evidence and safety.
Infection prevention habits
Vaccination status review
Prompt evaluation of fever
Avoiding abdominal trauma
Herbs & tinctures
At a glance
- Organ: Spleen
- Body system: Circulatory System
- Average weight: ~150 g
- Length: ~12 cm
Did you know?
You can live without a spleen; the liver and lymph nodes take over many of its jobs.
7-Day Spleen Meal Plan
A week of simple meals built around general nutrient adequacy; no established spleen-healing diet, with 21 easy recipes and a grocery list.
Educational note: This page is for general anatomy education and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Talk to a healthcare professional about any concerns.
Shop by organ
Spleen Health Products
Hand-picked products to support your spleen.
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