US Medical Term · anatomy
Spleen
Bazo
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Spleen |
| Spanish (Español) | Bazo |
| Chinese (中文) | 脾臟 |
| Korean (한국어) | 비장 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Lá lách |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pali |
| Portuguese (Português) | Baço |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ม้าม |
| Japanese (日本語) | 脾臓 |
What it means
The spleen is a fist-sized organ in the upper left part of the abdomen, tucked under the rib cage next to the stomach. It is the largest lymphatic organ in the body. The spleen filters blood, removing old or damaged red blood cells and helping fight infections by producing white blood cells and antibodies. It also acts as a reservoir for blood that can be released during blood loss. An enlarged spleen — called splenomegaly — can occur with infections like mono, liver disease, and blood disorders. Because the spleen is not essential for survival, it is sometimes surgically removed — a splenectomy — after trauma or disease. People without a spleen must take precautions to avoid certain infections.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
The doctor said my spleen is enlarged because of my liver disease.
El médico dijo que el bazo está agrandado por mi enfermedad hepática.
I had a car accident and ruptured my spleen — they had to do emergency surgery.
Tuve un accidente de auto y me rompí el bazo. Tuvieron que hacerme una cirugía de emergencia.
Since they removed my spleen I need to get vaccinated against certain infections.
Desde que me extirparon el bazo necesito vacunarme contra ciertas infecciones.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026