Tags: Anatomical Structure.
The spleen (from Greek σπλήν—splḗn) is an organ found in virtually all vertebrate animals. Similar in structure to a large lymph node it acts primarily as a blood filter. It is possible to remove the spleen without jeopardizing life. The spleen plays important roles in regard to red blood cells (also referred to as erythrocytes) and the immune system. It removes old red blood cells and holds a reserve of blood which can be valuable in case of hemorrhagic shock and also recycles iron.
