The spleen is a vital organ located in the upper-left abdomen, beneath the ribcage. It serves multiple functions in the body, including filtering and purifying blood, removing damaged blood cells, and storing platelets.
The spleen also plays a role in the immune system, where it helps fight infections by producing white blood cells and antibodies.
Additionally, it can store blood and release it when needed, such as during times of injury or stress. While the spleen performs important functions, it can be surgically removed if damaged or diseased without causing severe harm.