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.
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

Related words

Usage

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

USAGE (medicine):
People can live without a spleen, though they become more prone to some infections.