What is the function of the spleen?

• A. To produce hormones
• B. To filter blood and recycle iron from red blood cells
• C. To store bile
• D. To regulate body temperature

Answer: (B)

The spleen serves multiple vital functions related to the blood and immune system, making the correct answer particularly relevant. One of its primary roles is to filter blood, identifying and removing old or damaged red blood cells. In this process, the spleen also recycles iron from hemoglobin, which is crucial for the production of new red blood cells. This functioning is essential for maintaining healthy blood composition and ensuring efficient oxygen transport throughout the body.

In contrast, other options do not align with the roles of the spleen. Hormone production is primarily associated with glands like the pituitary or adrenal glands. Bile storage is a function of the gallbladder, which stores bile produced by the liver for digestion. The regulation of body temperature is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus and involves processes in the skin, muscles, and blood vessels, rather than the spleen. Hence, the spleen's specific functions clearly define its importance in the body's overall physiology.