The spleen is a fist-sized and shaped intraperitoneal organ located on the left side.
Functions
During fetal life, serves as a site of hematopoiesis; later in life:
- Removes used-up RBCs and other blood components
- Acts as secondary lymphatic organ
- May store a small quantity of blood
Location
The spleen is located in the left upper abdominal quadrant or left hypochondrium, under ribs 9-11, superior to left colic flexure (splenic flexure).