Describe the spleen
The spleen is the largerst lymphoid organ
Where does the spleen develop?
Develops in the left leaf of the dorsal mesogastrium, ends up in the left margin of the lesser sac. Development causes the dorsal mesogastrium to divide into lieno (spleno) renal and gastrosplenic ligaments.
What is significant about the venous drainage of the spleen?
The spleen is not part of the GI system but drains into the portal vein
What is the location of the spleen?
The spleen lies between ribs 9-11. Its long axis lies along the line of the 10th rib
What size and weight is the spleen?
1x3x5 inches, weighs 7oz
What are the relations of the spleen?
Visceral peritoneum invests all surfaces (gastric, diaphragmatic, colic and renal). At the hilum the spleen comes into contact with the right leaf of the greater omentum. Glides in contact with the diaphragm and the anterior abominal wall
What makes contact with the hilum?
The tail of the pancreas, which lies in the leinorenal ligament.
Where is the splenic artery found?
Between the layers of the lienorenal ligament, and divides into T or Y shaped patterns at the hilum
Where does splenic lymph drain?
Splenic lymph drains from the hilum to retropanreatic nodes, then to coeliac nodes
What is the nerve supply of the spleen?
Sympathetic fibres only
At what rate are accessory spleens found?
1:10
What must be cut to perform a splenectomy?
The lienorenal and gastropsplenic ligaments; and the short gastric vessels must be ligated.
