What is the function of the spleen?

The spleen plays a vital role in the immune system and the management of blood. Its primary function is to filter blood, which involves removing old or damaged red blood cells and other debris from the bloodstream. Additionally, the spleen serves as a site for the production and activation of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. It helps to identify and destroy pathogens like bacteria and viruses that enter the body, thus playing an integral role in maintaining overall health and immunity. The other functions mentioned, such as hormone production, bile storage, and insulin production, are not associated with the spleen; rather, they are functions of other organs in the body, such as the pancreas and liver.