Spleen Flashcards
What abdominal region does the spleen occupy
Left hypochondrium
Appearance of the spleen
Ovoid
Purple
Size and shape of a clenched fist
Function of the spleen
Removal of old red blood cells
Storage of white blood cells and platelets
Role in the immune response (bacteria causing meningitis or pneumonia)
Why can’t the spleen be palpated on clinical examination
It’s protected by the rib cage
Where is the spleen covered by peritoneum
Everywhere except the hilum
What’s attached to the spleen anteriorly
The gastrosplenic ligament attaches the spleen to the greater curvature of the stomach
What structures are posterior to the spleen
Left part of the diaphragm
Left lung
Ribs 9-11
What structure does the spleen rest on
Left colic flexure
What is attached to the spleen medially
The splenorenal ligament attaches the splenic hilum to the left kidney
How is the outer surface of the spleen classified
Diaphragmatic surface
Visceral surface
What are the 4 borders of the spleen
Contain notches:
Anterior
Superior
Smooth:
Posteromedial
Inferior
What can be palpated in splenomegaly
Notches of the superior border as the border moves inferomedially
Arterial supply of the spleen
Coeliac trunk -> splenic artery
Course of the splenic artery
Follows superior border of the pancreas, posterior to the lesser sac and anterior to the left kidney
Between the layers of the splenorenal ligament it divides into 5+ branches that enter the splenic hilum
Why does the spleen have vascular segments
What does this allow
The branches of the splenic artery don’t anastomose with each other
This allows subtotal splenectomy (removal of one vascular segment)
Venous drainage of the spleen
Splenic vein
Which veins joins the splenic vein and where
Inferior mesenteric vein posterior to the body of the pancreas
Superior mesenteric vein posterior to the neck of the pancreas forming the hepatic portal vein
Innervation of the spleen
Coeliac plexus
What is a splenic rupture
A break in the fibrobroelastic capsule which disrupts the underlying parenchyma
Causes of splenic rupture
Blunt or penetrating trauma
It’s often associated with left rib fractures
Consequence of splenic rupture
Bleeding into the peritoneal cavity
Treatment for splenic rupture
Full or partial splenectomy
