The Spleen Flashcards
What are some features of the spleen?
Intraperitoneal organ which plays a role in the defence system but is not essential to life
On a ultrasound it is
- Homogenous parenchyma
- Smooth surfaces
- Has a hilum
What are the functions of the spleen?
- Defence
- Hematopoiesis
- Filters out old RBC and platelets
- Blood reservoir
What does the spleen produce?
- Lymphocytes
- Phagocytes
- Plasma cells
- Antibodies
What is the shape of the spleen?
Crescent or inverted comma
What is the size of a normal spleen?
Around 12-13 cm in length
Where is the spleen located in the regions method?
Left hypochondrium
Where is the spleen located in the quadrant method?
Left upper quadrant
Where is the hilum located?
Central on visceral surface, with no peritoneum at hilum
What structures are landmarks for the hilum?
- Splenic arteries
- Splenic veins
- Lymph vessels and nerves
What is a splenic variant?
Accessory spleens or splenules
How common is splenic variants found?
10% of normal population
Where is the splenic variant found?
Often at the splenic hilum
How large are the normal variants for splenic variants?
Around 1 cm or smaller
