Spleen

Question 1

Location of the spleen surface anatomy

Answer 1

located in the upper left abdomen

Question 2

functions of the spleen

Answer 2

mainly as a blood filter, removing old red blood cells. It also plays a role in the immune response.

Question 3

anatomical postion of the spleen

Answer 3

upper left quadrant of the abdomen, under cover of the diaphragm and ribcage

Question 4

which part of the spleen is retroperitonea;

Answer 4

splenic hilum

Question 5

can the spleen be palpated? if not when can it be

Answer 5

when enlarged

Question 6

what connects the spleen to the kidney

Answer 6

by parts of the greater omentum
Gastrosplenic ligament – connects the spleen to the greater curvature of the stomach.
Splenorenal ligament – connects the hilum of the spleen to the left kidney. The splenic vessels and tail of the pancreas lie within this ligament

Question 7

shape of the spleen

Answer 7

slightly oval

Question 8

what covers the spleen and what does it allow

Answer 8

It is covered by a weak capsule that protects the organ, whilst allowing it to expand in size.

Question 9

wjat are the two outer surfaces of the spleen

Answer 9

Diaphragmatic surface – in contact with diaphragm and ribcage.
Visceral surface – in contact with the other abdominal viscera

Question 10

what happens when the spleen is enlarged

Answer 10

the superior border moves inferomedially, and its notches can be palpated.

Question 11

desribe the borders of the spleen

Answer 11

anterior, superior, posteromedial and inferior borders. The posteromedial and inferior borders are smooth, whilst the anterior and superior borders contain notches

Question 12

anterior to the spleen is

Answer 12

Stomach

Question 13

posterior to the spleen is

Answer 13

Diaphragm
Left lung

Ribs 9-11

Question 14

inferior to the spleen is

Answer 14

Left colic flexure (splenic flexure)

Question 15

medial to the spleen

Answer 15

Left kidney

Tail of the pancreas

Question 16

artieral supply of the spleen

Answer 16

splenic artery

Question 17

path of the splenic artery

Answer 17

This vessel arises from the coeliac trunk, running laterally along the superior aspect of the pancreas, within the splenorenal ligament. As the artery reaches the spleen, it branches into five vessels – each supplying a different part of the organ.

Question 18

arterial branches of the splenic artery dont anatomse with each other, what does this mean ?

Answer 18

surgeon to remove one of these segments without affecting the others

Question 19

veenous drainage of the spleen

Answer 19

splenic vein. It combines with the superior mesenteric vein to form the hepatic portal vein.

Question 20

nerve supply of the spleen

Answer 20

coeliac plexus