Spleen Anatomy Flashcards
(12 cards)
Where is the spleen located?
Located in the upper left quadrant or hypochondrium of the abdomen, resting on the left colic flexure.
What is the spleen covered by?
Entirely covered by a layer of visceral peritoneum, except at the splenic hilum (where the splenic branches of the splenic artery and vein enter and leave.
What is anterior to the spleen?
The stomach which is attached by the gastrosplenic ligament
What is posterior to the spleen?
The left part of the diaphragm which separates it from the pleura, lung and ribs 9-11
What is inferior to the spleen?
The left colic flexure
What is medial to the spleen?
The left kidney which is attached by the splenorenal ligament
What is the arterial supply for the spleen?
From the splenic artery, the largest branch of the coeliac trunk.
What is the course of the splenic artery?
Follows a tortuous course posterior to the omental bursa, anterior to the left kidney and along the superior border of the pancreas
What happens to the splenic artery between the layers of the splenorenal ligament?
It divides into five or more branches that enter the hilum, supplying the different vascular segments of the spleen.
What is the venous drainage of the spleen?
Drains via the splenic vein, formed by several tributaries that emerge from the hilum
Describe the course of the splenic vein and the other veins that join it
The splenic vein is joined by the inferior mesenteric vein and runs posterior to the body and tail of the pancreas throughout most of its course.
Then unites with the superior mesenteric vein to form the hepatic portal vein.
Where does the splenic vein and SMV join?
Posterior to the neck of the pancreas
