Basic and Clinical Anatomy of the Spleen

Question 1

What are the functions of the spleen?

Answer 1

Filters-clears microorganisms from bloodstream
Synthesis-IgG
Removal-old RBCs and platelets
Storage-RBC, platelets and WBC
Production-lymphocytes
Periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths (T cells)
Haematopoeitic-up until 5 months of gestation

Question 2

Where is the spleen located?

Answer 2

LUQ, left hypochondrium, deep to ribs 9-11

Question 3

What are the anatomical relations of the spleen?

Answer 3

Medial-left kidney
Anterior-stomach
Posterior-diaphragm and ribs
Inferior-splenic flexure of colon

Question 4

What is the arterial blood supply of the spleen?

Answer 4

Abdominal aorta, coeliac axis and splenic artery

Question 5

What is the venous drainage of the spleen?

Answer 5

Splenic vein, hepatic portal vein, inferior vena cava

Question 6

What is the innervation of the spleen?

Answer 6

Autonomic nerves from the celiac plexus, forms splenic plexus

Question 7

What is the lymphatic drainage of the spleen?

Answer 7

Pancreaticosplenic nodes and drain into coeliac nodes

Question 8

When is a splenectomy performed?

Answer 8

In splenic trauma

Question 9

What happens if you have a splenectomy?

Answer 9

You can function without a spleen but you are at risk of becoming sick or getting an infection so you must be vaccinated, some people have an accessory spleen which can take over the role of the spleen

Question 10

What are some advantages of a splenic embolism over a splenectomy?

Answer 10

Minimally invasive, organ preservation

Question 11

What is splenomegaly?

Answer 11

Enlarged spleen, will be palpable
Associated with: no sx, pain (can spread to left shoulder), feeling full without eating, hypersplenism (cytopenia), anaemia, risk of traumatic injury