Spleen

Question 1

What type of organ is the spleen

Answer 1

Haematopoietic and lymphoid

Question 2

Where does the spleen lie

Answer 2

Upper left quadrant

Protected by ribs 9-11

Question 3

What is the spleen covered by

Answer 3

Visceral peritoneum

Question 4

What are the functions of the spleen

Answer 4

Breakdown of old red blood cells

Storage of red blood cells and platelets

Various immune responses - including production of IgG

Question 5

How many surfaces and borders does the spleen have

Answer 5

Two surfaces

Four borders

Question 6

What are the surfaces of the spleen

Answer 6

Diaphragmatic surface - lies adjacent to the diaphragm

Visceral surface - lies in contact with stomach, left kidney and colon

Question 7

Where do the splenic vessels enter and exit the spleen

Answer 7

Hilum on the visceral surface

Question 8

What are the borders of the spleen

Answer 8

Anterior and superior
Posterior and inferior

Question 9

What is the surface of the anterior and superior borders of the spleen like

Answer 9

Typically notched

Question 10

What is the surface of the posterior and inferior borders of the spleen like

Answer 10

Smooth

Question 11

When would the spleen be palpable below the costal margin

Answer 11

At least 3x normal size

Question 12

What is the spleen supplied by

Answer 12

Splenic artery

Question 13

What is the venous drainage of the spleen

Answer 13

Splenic vein