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

• A. to serve as an immune system surveillance organ
• B. to store platelets
• C. to serve as a site of T cell maturation
• D. to break down erythrocytes

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the primary functions of the spleen. The spleen is involved in filtering blood, breaking down old erythrocytes (red blood cells), and serving as an immune system surveillance organ by housing white blood cells that detect pathogens.
2. Recognize that the spleen also stores platelets, which are crucial for blood clotting. This is another key function of the spleen.
3. Identify the role of T cell maturation. T cells are a type of lymphocyte that mature in the thymus, not the spleen. The thymus is specifically responsible for the maturation of T cells, which are essential for adaptive immunity.
4. Compare the listed functions with the known roles of the spleen. The spleen does not serve as a site for T cell maturation; this is the role of the thymus.
5. Conclude that the function 'to serve as a site of T cell maturation' is not a role of the spleen, as this process occurs in the thymus.