Normal Functions of the Spleen Relative to Red Blood Cells: A Review

During all the stages of a red cell’s life the normal spleen exerts a normal function. Eight of these functions have been considered: (1) erythropoiesis; (2) an effect upon red cell production; (3) an effect upon maturation of the red cell surface; (4) the reservoir function; (5) the "culling function"; (6) iron turnover and storage; (7) the "pitting function"; (8) destruction of old red cells.