MODEL RELEASED. Patient with a removed spleen. Doctor assessing a man who has had an operation to remove his spleen. The spleen is an organ that is part of the lymphatic system, and is involved in processing white blood cells (lymphocytes). It also regulates the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream by destroying old cells. It is most active in childhood but is not essential in adults. The spleen is removed if it is inflamed, infected or enlarged (splenomegaly). An unhealthy spleen may cause anaemia, blood clotting disorders and a weakened immune system. Photographed at St. Mary's Hospital in Lacor, Gulu, Uganda.