Spleen

in human anatomy, an organ situated in the left side of the abdomen in connection with the digestive tract. The spleen has an oblong, flattened form. It is dark red in color and soft in texture. It is extremely vascular, that is to say, full of channels. The spleen is not a gland. It collects no secretion and it gives off none. The corpuscles of the blood in passing through it undergo a change not fully understood. Animals deprived of the spleen have a tendency to become fat and have been known to live for an indefinite period seemingly in perfect health. The spleen was supposed formerly to be the seat of various emotions, particularly of ill-humor. To vent one's spleen is to show a bad temper,--to express ill-will.