lecture 10- part 3

Question 1

Spleen: Surface anatomy

Answer 1

Superficially in the left hypochondrium beneath the 9th to 11th ribs
Normally it does not extend below the left costal margin

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Answer 4

Question 5

Spleen: Features

Answer 5

Varies in size
Mobile, does not descend lower than rib 11, else splenomegaly
Capsulated
Sharp anterior & superior borders
Notched, can be palpated
Posterior end and inferior borders are rounded
Surfaces: Colic, renal, gastric, diaphragmatic
Hilum: Splenic a & v (blood supply to spleen)

Question 6

Question 7

Spleen: Ligaments

Answer 7

Question 8

Question 9

Spleen: Relations

Answer 9

Anterior: Stomach
Posterior: left hemidiaphragm, inferior lobe of left lung, ribs 9 – 11
Inferior: Left (Splenic) colic flexure
Medial: Left kidney

Question 10

Spleen: Lymphatic drainage

Answer 10

Drain to nodes in splenic hilum
Along the splenic vessels
Drain to pancreaticosplenic lymph nodes on posterior surface and superior border of the pancreas

Question 11

Spleen: Injury

Answer 11

Spleen highly vascular, injury can cause excessive bleeding into the abdominal cavity
Spleen normally protected by the ribs, but can be damaged by fractured ribs; penetrating the thin capsule and soft pulp
Pain is referred from the diaphragm to the left shoulder (Common C3-5 sensory innervation same as phrenic nerve)
Can be palpated below the ribs when enlarged (Splenomegaly)
Spleen can be removed, liver and bone marrow will take over its functions