Here's a breakdown of its main functions:
* Hematopoiesis: In the fetal stage, the spleen plays a crucial role in generating all types of blood cells, including red blood cells, which carry oxygen, and white blood cells, which fight infections.
* Lymphocyte Development: The spleen also houses and helps mature lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell important for the immune system.
As the fetus develops, the bone marrow gradually takes over the primary role of hematopoiesis. However, the spleen remains an important part of the immune system throughout life, filtering blood, removing old red blood cells, and storing white blood cells.