Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a function of the spleen?

1. Formation of nongranular leukocytes

2. Phagocytosis of microorganisms

3. Storage of bile

4. Phagocytosis of red blood cells

The correct answer is: Storage of bile

The spleen serves several important functions in the body, particularly in the immune response and the processing of blood. One of its primary roles is phagocytosis, which includes the removal of microorganisms and the recycling of red blood cells. Phagocytosis of microorganisms aids in filtering the blood and helps combat infections by removing pathogens. Additionally, the spleen is involved in the breakdown of aged or damaged red blood cells, allowing for the recycling of hemoglobin and iron. The formation of nongranular leukocytes, also known as lymphocytes, occurs in the spleen as part of the immune response but is not its primary function. The spleen provides a site for the proliferation and maturation of these immune cells. However, it is crucial to note that the production of leukocytes can primarily take place in the bone marrow and other lymphoid tissues. Storage of bile is not a function of the spleen. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, where it aids in the digestion of fats. The misconception might stem from the spleen's involvement in blood filtration and immune function, but it has no role in bile production or storage. Recognition of this distinction highlights the unique functions of the spleen compared to other organs