Spleen Flashcards
The spleen has what relationship to the peritoneum?
intraperitoneal
What is the normal length of the spleen?
12-13 cm
The spleen is located in which quadrant?
LUQ (left hypochondrium)
The spleen has a ____ superior surface and a ______ inferior surface
Convex; concave
The spleen is part of what system?
reticuloendothelial
Which portion of the spleen is not covered by peritoneum?
splenic hilum
Which vessel supplies the spleen?
splenic artery
When does white pulp develop?
during gestation
What is the function of white pulp?
lymphocytes and monocytes
When does red pulp develop?
after birth
What does red pulp do?
filters blood
What is the sonographic appearance of the spleen?
homogenous, Isoechoic or less echogenic than liver
The echogenicity of the spleen is compared to the ?
left kidney
What are splenic varices?
Dilation of the vessels in splenic hilum
The spleen lies ______ to the stomach and pancreas
posterolateral
The stomach is _____ to the spleen
anterior
What are the 4 major functions of the spleen?
defense, hematopoiesis, RBC removal, storage
What is the most common anomaly of the spleen?
splenomegaly
True or False: Splenomegaly is usually primary
False; secondary
What are the causes of splenomegaly?
congestive, hematologic, infiltrative, metabolic
What is the most common cause of splenomegaly? What is it associated with?
portal hypertension; cirrhosis
True or False: splenic cysts are rare
True
What is another name for an accessory spleen?
splenule
What is the most common location of a splenule?
splenic hilum
The spleen begins to develop in which week of gestation?
5
