Location

• In humans, the spleen is located in the upper-left quadrant of the abdomen. A healthy spleen is 2.4 inches to 6.3 inches long.
  
  

Primary Function

• The main function of the spleen is the filtration of red blood cells. It creates them and stores them.
  
  

Secondary Function

• The spleen also produces the immune factor agents opsonin, properdin and tuftsin.
  
  

Disorders

• Two disorders affecting the spleen are asplenia, in which the spleen doesn't function or isn't present, and splenomegaly, in which the spleen is too big. You are able to live without a spleen.
  
  

Fun Fact

• The word "spleen" is derived the equivalent term for heart in Greek. It means "good hearted."