Spleen Flashcards
What is the significance of the spleen?
largest lymphatic organ in the body
The spleen lies beneath what ribs(s)?
9-11
What lies anterior to the spleen?
Stomach
What lies medial to the spleen?
left kidney and tail of pancreas
What lies inferior to the spleen?
Left colic flexure (or splenic flexure)
What lies posterolateral to the spleen?
diaphram, left pleura, left lung
Is the spleen intra or retroperitoneal?
Intraperitoneal (easily movable)
What ligament attaches the spleen to the greater curvature of the stomach?
Gastrosplenic Ligament
What provides blood to the spleen?
Splenic Artery
What is the Splenic Artery a branch of?
Celiac Trunk
What provides innervation to the spleen?
Greater Splanchnic Nerve via Celiac gg
What are the functions of the spleen?
- lymphocyte proliferation
- blood reservoir
- immune surveillance / response
- removes expended RBCs and broken down platelets
- prenatal site of hematopoiesis
Where is the splenic vein located?
Posterior to the tail of the pancreas
What diaphragmatic opening contains the vagus nerve?
Espophageal (T10)
