Spleen

Question 1

Spleen overview

Answer 1

• Protected by 9th-11th ribs
• Lies in the left hypochondriac region
• 1 inch thick, 3 inches wide, 5 inches long, 7 ounces
• Largest lymphatic organ
• Characteristic notch on antero-inferior border
• Develops within the dorsal mesogastrium (intraperitoneal structure)

Question 2

Ligaments associated with spleen

Answer 2

1) Lienorenal ligament (connects spleen to left kidney and contains splenic vessels + tail of pancreas)
2) Gastrosplenic ligament (connects spleen to greater curvature of stomach)

*Between these 2 ligaments is the omental bursa/lesser sac

Question 3

Surfaces of spleen

Answer 3

1) Diaphragmatic surface

2) Visceral surface

Question 4

Relationships

Answer 4

Anterior:
1) Stomach

Posterior:

1) 9th-11th ribs
2) Left lung
3) Diaphragm

Inferior:
1) Splenic flexure of colon

Medial:

1) Tail of pancreas
2) Left kidney

Question 5

Functions

Answer 5

1) White cell proliferation
2) Filters and stores RBCs and platelets
3) Recycles iron and globin (products of RBC breakdown)
4) Immune surveillance

Question 6

Vasculature

Answer 6

Lies in lienorenal ligament
Arterial:
1) Splenic artery
-Runs along superior border of body of pancreas
-Branches into 5 branches at hilum – supply a part of spleen each (no anastomoses – giving rise to vascular segments of spleen)

Venous:
1) Splenic vein (unites with superior mesenteric vein to form hepatic portal vein)

Question 7

Disorders associated with spleen

Answer 7

Splenic artery aneurysms
-possible cause of unexplained severe abdominal pain

Splenomegaly

• Possible cause includes portal vein hypertension
• Can be 10x larger than normal size
• Palpable in right iliac fossa
• Treated by splenectomy