Which of the following is a function of the spleen?

a. Cleanses the interstitial fluid

b. Circulates the lymph

c. Removes worn out red blood cells

d. Stores platelets

e. Both a and b

f. Both c and d

g. Both a and c

h. Both b and d

E

Explanation:

Blood passes by the spleen so that defective blood cells are 'sieved out' and recycled. The hemoglobin is taken to the bone marrow where it is used to make new red blood cells. The spleen is also considered as part of the lymphatic system because lymph fluid passes through the spleen that 'filters out' foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses from infections. It acts like a big lymph node.