Understanding the difference between Kidney and Spleen is very important for general science sections of SSC, UPSC, RRB NTPC, and other exams. Although they are both organs inside the abdomen, they serve very different roles in the human body. Let’s explore them in a simple and exam-oriented way.
Introduction
Many students often confuse the kidney and the spleen because they are close in location. But their functions, structure, and importance are quite different.
Let’s understand each organ first.
What is a Kidney?
â—¾ The kidneys are bean-shaped organs in the body.
â—¾ You have two kidneys, located on either side of your spine, below your rib cage.
â—¾ They are part of the urinary system.
🔹 Main function: To filter blood and remove waste and extra water from the body through urine.
What is a Spleen?
â—¾ The spleen is a soft, purple-colored organ, about the size of your fist.
â—¾ It is located in the upper left side of the abdomen, just under the ribs.
â—¾ The spleen is part of the lymphatic and immune system.
🔹 Main function: To protect the body by fighting infections and removing old blood cells.
Difference Between Kidney and Spleen
| Feature | Kidney | Spleen |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Bean-shaped | Oval or fist-shaped |
| Number in body | Two (left and right) | One |
| Location | On both sides of the spine in the lower back | Left upper abdomen, behind the stomach |
| System | Excretory (Urinary) System | Lymphatic and Immune System |
| Main Function | Filters blood and makes urine | Filters old red blood cells and fights infections |
| Color | Reddish-brown | Purplish |
| Blood Filtration Role | Removes waste from the blood | Removes old blood cells |
| Involvement in Immunity | Less role in immunity | Major role in immunity (produces white blood cells) |
| Other Important Role | Maintains water balance, blood pressure | Stores blood, helps fight bacteria and viruses |
Functions of Kidney – Easy Points to Remember
â—¾ Removes waste and toxins from the body
â—¾ Controls the amount of water and salts in the blood
â—¾ Maintains blood pressure
â—¾ Produces urine
◾ Balances body’s pH (acid-base level)
â—¾ Releases hormones like erythropoietin (helps make red blood cells)
🔖 Exam Tip: Kidney = Filters & Balances
Functions of Spleen – Easy Points to Remember
â—¾ Removes old or damaged red blood cells
â—¾ Stores extra blood for emergencies
â—¾ Helps make white blood cells (WBCs)
â—¾ Helps fight infections, especially bacteria
â—¾ Filters blood for foreign substances
🔖 Exam Tip: Spleen = Protects & Fights
Key Differences to Remember for Exams
🟩 Kidney = Excretion (Urine) + Blood Balance
🟪 Spleen = Immunity (WBCs) + Blood Cell Filter
💡Mnemonic to Remember:
“Kidney Cleans, Spleen Screens!”
✔ Kidney cleans the blood (waste removal)
✔ Spleen screens the blood (old cells and infections)
Common Questions Asked in Exams
🔸 Q: Which organ filters blood to produce urine?
🔹 A: Kidney
🔸 Q: Which organ removes old red blood cells?
🔹 A: Spleen
🔸 Q: Which organ plays a major role in immunity?
🔹 A: Spleen
🔸 Q: How many kidneys are in the human body?
🔹 A: Two
Conclusion
Dear Aspirants, topics like this may seem simple, but they are often asked in exams to test your clarity. Never skip the basics!
Mastering concepts like Kidney vs Spleen builds your foundation in science and boosts your score in competitive exams.
🧠💪 Keep learning with focus and curiosity — Your success is one step closer every day!
Final Revision at a Glance
| Kidney | Spleen |
|---|---|
| Urinary organ | Immune organ |
| Filters blood to make urine | Filters blood to remove old cells |
| Maintains water & salt balance | Produces WBCs for immunity |
| Found in pairs | Single organ |
| Located in lower back | Located in upper left abdomen |
