What is the primary purpose of the spleen?

The primary purpose of the spleen is to filter and remove damaged blood cells. This organ plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the circulatory system and contributes significantly to immune function. The spleen contains specialized cells and structures that help identify and destroy old or dysfunctional red blood cells, as well as other cellular debris.

Additionally, the spleen helps recycle iron and other components from these damaged cells, making them available for the synthesis of new blood cells. This process is vital for maintaining proper blood composition and overall health.

While the spleen does play a role in the immune response by interacting with lymphocytes and other immune cells, its central function is not the production of lymphocytes, storage of blood, or the activation of T cells, even though these functions support its role in the body's defense mechanisms.