脾臓(ひぞう)

ひぞう
noun
spleen
medical
1. spleen
An organ in the upper left abdomen that filters blood, recycles old red blood cells, and plays a role in immune function.
脾臓(ひぞう)は古(ふる)い赤血球(せっけっきゅう)を処理(しょり)する。
The spleen processes old red blood cells.
事故(じこ)で脾臓(ひぞう)を損傷(そんしょう)した。
The spleen was damaged in the accident.
脾臓(ひぞう)がなくても生(い)きていける。
You can live without a spleen.

Functions

  • Filters blood and removes old/damaged red blood cells
  • Stores platelets and white blood cells
  • Plays a role in immune response

Medical terms

  • 脾腫(ひしゅ): splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
  • 脾臓摘出(ひぞうてきしゅつ): splenectomy (spleen removal)

Location

Upper left abdomen, behind the 胃(い) (stomach) and under the ribs.

Interesting fact

The spleen is not essential for survival; other organs can take over its functions if it's removed.

Related organs

Related Words

Related: 膵臓(すいぞう) (pancreas)
Related: 肝臓(かんぞう) (liver)
general
Added 2026.1.17 2:27 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
05500/05961_hizou