Spleen (Anatomy + Function)

Question 1

Where is the spleen?

Answer 1

Upper left quadrant

Undercover of diaphragm + ribcage

Question 2

Ligaments of greater omentum attaching to spleen? (2)

Answer 2

1) Gastrosplenic ligament
(Anterior to splenic hilum)
(Connects spleen to greater curvature of stomach)

2) Splenorenal ligament
(Posterior to splenic hilum)
(Connect splenic hilum to left kidney )

Question 3

Greater omentum?

Answer 3

double fold of peritoneum attaching to stomach

Question 4

Surfaces of spleen (2)

Answer 4

1) Diaphragmatic surface = in contact with diagram + ribcage
2) Visceral surface = in contact with other abdominal viscera

Question 5

Borders of spleen and characteristics

Answer 5

Inferior + Postomedial borders = smooth

Anterior + Superior borders = contain notches (palpable if spleen enlarged)

Question 6

Arterial supply

Answer 6

Coeliac Trunk → Splenic Artery → 5 branches → differents parts of SPLEEN

Question 7

Venous Drainage

Answer 7

SPLEEN → Splenic Vein (joins with) Sup. Mes Vein → Hepatic Portal Vein)

Question 8

Innervation

Answer 8

coeliac plexus

Question 9

Lymphatics

Answer 9

Drain into pancreaticosplenic lymph nodes → coeliac nodes

Question 10

Components of white pulp (3)

Answer 10

1) Periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths
2) Marginal Zone
3) Lymphoid Follicles

Question 11

Function of red pulp

Answer 11

1) Removal of damaged / dead RBC’s + antigens + microorganisms
2) Phagocytosis of opsonised bacteria by macrophages
3) Sequestration of platelets
4) Storage of RBC’s
5) Prenatally = haemopoietic until 5th month