Spleen

Question 1

What is the spleen?

Answer 1

• a large lymphatic organ
• consists of soft, easily injured tissue which is highly vascularized
• lies against the diaphragm and ribs 9-11 within the left hypochondrium region
• entirely intraperitoneal

Question 2

What are the functions of the spleen?

Answer 2

• produces lymphocytes in the newborn (only)
• removes worn out red blood cells and other cellular debris from circulation
• stores red blood cells; can perform an autotransfusion in hemorrhage situations

Question 3

What are the surfaces of the spleen?

Answer 3

• diaphragmatic surface: the convex surface which lies against the diaphragm
• visceral surface: the concave surface which lies against the abdominal viscera; it has 3 subdivisions:
  1. gastric surface: lies against the stomach, above the hilum
  2. colic surface: lies against the left colic flexure, below the hilum and anterior
  3. renal surface: lies against the left kidney, below hilum and posterior

Question 4

Describe the splenic hilum.

Answer 4

• located on the visceral surface

- transmits nerves and vessels

Question 5

What are the ligaments of the spleen?

Answer 5

• gastrosplenic ligament: attaches the stomach to the spleen

- splenorenal ligament: attaches the spleen to the left kidney; splits to contain the tail of the pancreas

Question 6

What is the blood supply to the spleen?

Answer 6

• splenic artery (from celiac trunk)

- splenic vein (into portal vein)

Question 7

What is the innervation of the spleen?

Answer 7

mainly sympathetic from celiac plexus

Question 8

Describe rupture of the spleen.

Answer 8

• most frequently injured abdominal organ
• particularly vulnerable to blows to the left hypochondrium region
• results in severe hemorrhage and shock
• may be ruptured directly by trauma
• becomes more fragile in:
  1. mononucleosis
  2. malaria
  3. sickle-cell anemia
  4. septicemia (blood poisoning)
• use caution in adjusting patients with acute mononucleosis