Spleen vs. Kidney — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 14, 2024
The spleen is an organ involved in filtering blood and immune system support, whereas the kidney functions in filtering blood to produce urine, removing waste and balancing fluids.
Difference Between Spleen and Kidney
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The spleen is an organ located under the ribcage and above the stomach in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. It plays a crucial role in the body's defense system by filtering blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells, and producing white blood cells to fight infection. On the other hand, the kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. Their primary function is to filter blood to remove waste products and excess fluids, which are then excreted as urine. This process is vital for maintaining the body's chemical balance, regulating blood pressure, and ensuring the body's homeostasis.
While the spleen operates as part of the lymphatic system, contributing to the body's immune response, the kidneys are part of the urinary system, focusing on waste removal, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. The spleen deals with blood cells and the immune system, whereas the kidneys work with the filtration of blood plasma and the balance of bodily fluids.
In terms of health issues, spleen problems might include enlargement (splenomegaly), rupture, or infections, which can affect its ability to function properly and impact the immune system. Kidney issues, however, often involve kidney stones, infections, or chronic kidney disease, affecting the body’s ability to filter blood, regulate fluids, and excrete waste effectively.
The spleen is unique in its ability to store blood and platelets, releasing them into the bloodstream as needed, a function not shared by the kidneys. Conversely, the kidneys produce hormones such as erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production, and renin, which regulates blood pressure—functions beyond the scope of the spleen's capabilities.
Both organs play roles in blood filtration, but they do so in distinctly different ways and for different purposes. The spleen acts as a blood filter as part of the immune system, while the kidneys filter blood to remove waste and excess fluids as part of the excretory system. Despite these differences, both organs are essential for maintaining overall health and homeostasis within the body.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Filtering blood, supporting the immune system.
Filtering blood to produce urine, remove waste.
System
Lymphatic and immune system.
Urinary system.
Location
Left upper abdomen, under the ribcage.
On either side of the spine, below the rib cage.
Health Issues
Enlargement, rupture, infections.
Kidney stones, infections, chronic kidney disease.
Unique Functions
Storing blood and platelets, producing white blood cells.
Regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, producing hormones.
Compare with Definitions
Spleen
Susceptible to enlargement and rupture.
An enlarged spleen can be a sign of an underlying disease.
Kidney
Produces hormones like erythropoietin and renin.
Erythropoietin from the kidneys stimulates red blood cell production.
Spleen
Affects the immune system when removed.
Splenectomy patients may require vaccines to prevent infections.
Kidney
Located below the rib cage on either side of the spine.
Kidney pain is often felt in the back.
Spleen
Stores blood cells and platelets.
The spleen releases stored white cells during emergencies.
Kidney
Can develop stones or infections.
Drinking plenty of water helps prevent kidney stones.
Spleen
Part of the lymphatic system.
The spleen acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune response.
Kidney
Regulates fluid and electrolyte balance.
The kidneys maintain the balance of salt and water in the body.
Spleen
The spleen is an organ found in all vertebrates. Similar in structure to a large lymph node, it acts primarily as a blood filter.
Kidney
The kidneys are two reddish-brown bean-shaped organs found in vertebrates. They are located on the left and right in the retroperitoneal space, and in adult humans are about 12 centimetres (4+1⁄2 inches) in length.
Spleen
A large, highly vascular lymphoid organ, located in the human body to the left of the stomach below the diaphragm, that serves as a reservoir for blood, destroys old red blood cells, and contains lymphocytes that combat blood-borne antigens.
Kidney
(Anatomy) Either one of a pair of organs in the dorsal region of the vertebrate abdominal cavity, functioning to maintain proper water and electrolyte balance, regulate acid-base concentration, and filter the blood of metabolic wastes, which are then excreted as urine.
Spleen
A homologous organ or tissue in other vertebrates.
Kidney
The kidney of certain animals, eaten as food.
Spleen
(Obsolete) This organ conceived as the seat of emotions or passions.
Kidney
An excretory organ of certain invertebrates.
Spleen
Ill temper
Vent one's spleen.
Kidney
Temperament; kind
A person of the same kidney.
Spleen
(Archaic) Melancholy.
Kidney
An organ in the body that filters the blood, producing urine.
Spleen
(Obsolete) A whim; a caprice.
Kidney
This organ (of an animal) cooked as food.
Spleen
In vertebrates, including humans, a ductless vascular gland, located in the left upper abdomen near the stomach, which destroys old red blood cells, removes debris from the bloodstream, acts as a reservoir of blood, and produces lymphocytes.
Kidney
Constitution, temperament, nature, type, character, disposition. usually used of people
Spleen
A bad mood; spitefulness.
Kidney
A waiter.
Spleen
A sudden motion or action; a fit; a freak; a whim.
Kidney
A glandular organ which excretes urea and other waste products from the animal body; a urinary gland.
Spleen
(obsolete) Melancholy; hypochondriacal affections.
Kidney
Habit; disposition; sort; kind; as, a man of a different kidney.
There are in later times other decrees, made by popes of another kidney.
Millions in the world of this man's kidney.
Your poets, spendthrifts, and other fools of that kidney, pretend, forsooth, to crack their jokes on prudence.
Spleen
A fit of immoderate laughter or merriment.
Kidney
A waiter.
Spleen
To dislike.
Kidney
Either of two bean-shaped excretory organs that filter wastes (especially urea) from the blood and excrete them and water in urine; urine passes out of the kidney through ureters to the bladder
Spleen
To annoy or irritate.
Spleen
(ambitransitive) To complain; to rail; to vent one's spleen.
Spleen
To remove the spleen, or, by extension, to gore.
Spleen
To excise or remove.
Spleen
A peculiar glandlike but ductless organ found near the stomach or intestine of most vertebrates and connected with the vascular system; the milt. Its exact function in not known.
Spleen
Anger; latent spite; ill humor; malice; as, to vent one's spleen.
In noble minds some dregs remain,Not yet purged off, of spleen and sour disdain.
Spleen
A fit of anger; choler.
Spleen
A sudden motion or action; a fit; a freak; a whim.
A thousand spleens bear her a thousand ways.
Spleen
Melancholy; hypochondriacal affections.
Bodies changed to various forms by spleen.
There is a luxury in self-dispraise:And inward self-disparagement affordsTo meditative spleen a grateful feast.
Spleen
A fit of immoderate laughter or merriment.
Thy silly thought enforces my spleen.
Spleen
To dislke.
Spleen
A large dark-red oval organ on the left side of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm; produces cells involved in immune responses
Spleen
A feeling of resentful anger
Common Curiosities
How do the kidneys support the body?
The kidneys filter blood to remove waste products and excess fluids, regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and produce hormones.
What is the primary function of the spleen?
The spleen's primary function is to filter blood, remove old or damaged blood cells, and produce white blood cells for immune support.
Can you live without a spleen?
Yes, you can live without a spleen, but it may make you more susceptible to infections, requiring vaccines and precautions.
How do kidneys affect overall health?
Kidneys affect overall health by ensuring the removal of waste and toxins, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and playing a role in hormone production.
What are common kidney health issues?
Common kidney issues include kidney stones, infections, and chronic kidney disease, affecting the body's ability to filter blood and maintain fluid balance.
How does the spleen affect the immune system?
The spleen supports the immune system by filtering blood, removing pathogens and damaged cells, and producing antibodies and white blood cells.
Is spleen enlargement a serious issue?
Spleen enlargement can be a sign of serious underlying conditions, requiring medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms of spleen problems?
Symptoms may include pain or fullness in the left upper abdomen or left shoulder, easy bleeding, and increased susceptibility to infections.
What role do the kidneys play in blood pressure regulation?
The kidneys regulate blood pressure by controlling the volume of blood (through fluid balance) and producing the hormone renin, which affects arterial constriction.
What happens if the spleen is damaged or removed?
If the spleen is damaged or removed, the body's ability to filter blood and fight certain bacteria decreases, potentially increasing infection risk.
Can kidney function be restored after damage?
Some kidney function can be improved with treatment if the damage is not severe, but chronic kidney disease is often irreversible, requiring management to slow progression.
What dietary changes can support kidney health?
Dietary changes for kidney health include reducing salt intake, limiting proteins, staying hydrated, and avoiding foods high in potassium and phosphorus if recommended by a doctor.
What lifestyle changes can improve kidney function?
Lifestyle changes include staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, controlling blood pressure, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.
How is spleen health monitored?
Spleen health can be monitored through physical exams, blood tests, and imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans to assess size and function.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
