Q. What are the functions of the spleen? Why is a total splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) compatible with life?
The spleen has many functions: it participates in the destruction of old red blood cells in it specialized leukocytes are matured it helps the renewal of the hematopoietic tissue of the bone marrow when necessary it can act as a spongelike organ to liberate or retain blood from or for the circulation.
Total splenectomy is not incompatible with life as none of the functions of the spleen are essential and at the same time exclusive of this organ.