What is the spleen?
The the spleen is called the spleen. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a soft, purplish organ about the size of a fist.
What it is
- A soft, purplish organ about the size of a fist.
- Not part of the digestive tract despite its location.
- Filters old red blood cells from the blood and helps mount immune responses.
Where it is
- In the upper left of the abdomen, under the diaphragm.
- Behind the stomach.
- Protected by the ninth to eleventh ribs.
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Last verified: 2026-07-18
- Best Anatomy Answers is an educational reference about human anatomy. It is not medical advice — for any health concern, talk to a licensed medical professional.