Spleen Functions. The spleen is now considered part of a person’s lymphatic system and immune system. It filters out toxins from the blood by sending cells to engulf and destroy them. It also removes damaged red blood cells, stores healthy ones and sends them to the liver. When a person is hemorrhaging or exercising and needs more blood, the spleen contracts and provides it. Despite this, the spleen is not considered a vital organ and can be removed without ill effects to the patient, though they are more at risk for serious infections.
