The spleen has some important functions: it fights invading germs in the blood (the spleen contains infection-fighting white blood cells) it controls the level of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) it filters the blood and removes any old or damaged red blood cells.

Is spleen good for you?

First, it breaks down and removes old and damaged red blood cells. It also holds a reserve of blood that can be released into the circulatory system to meet a sudden demand, such as bleeding (hemorrhage). It also provides some white cells to fight infection.

What happens to a person without a spleen?

Life without a spleen

You can be active without a spleen, but you're at increased risk of becoming sick or getting serious infections. This risk is highest shortly after surgery. People without a spleen may also have a harder time recovering from an illness or injury.