Understanding the spleen's role in immunity

The spleen is a small organ located on the left side of the abdomen, weighing between 150 and 200 grams. Its primary functions include filtering the blood, recognizing antigens, regulating the immune response, and removing aged red blood cells along with all pathogenic organisms present in the blood. It can become enlarged due to various reasons such as infections, blood disorders, or liver diseases. An enlarged spleen may be a sign of a serious illness if it becomes excessively enlarged or is accompanied by severe symptoms like persistent pain or bleeding. In cases of spleen enlargement, removal may be necessary if the cause is serious or unmanageable. It is also important to take preventive measures such as vaccination and avoiding vigorous sports to maintain health and prevent complications.