(ひぞう)

ひぞう
noun
spleen
1. spleen
An organ in the upper left abdomen that filters blood, recycles old red blood cells, and plays a role in immune function.
The spleen processes old red blood cells.
The spleen was damaged in the accident.
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 () (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