Spleen Discussion

Spleen. Wikimedia Commons
  • Harry’s Dictum-
    • 1 X 3 X 5 dimension
    • 7 ounce weight
    • 9 to 11 Ribs
  • Spleen develops from the dorsal mesogastrium
  • Develops as small masses which later join together.
  • Superior border has notch.
    • Splenic notch is formed by incomplete fusion of splenic mases
    • Failure of fusion of splenic notches leads to accessory spleen
    • Can be palpated
  • Intermediate border has splenic hilum which has
    • Gastrosplenic ligament- contents-
      • Short gastric arteries
      • Left gastro epiploic vessels
    • Lienorenal ligament-contents-
      • Spleen to kidney
        • Tail of pancreas
        • Splenic vessels running over upper border of pancreas
    • Pancreatico splenic lymph nodes
    • Sympathetic Nerve plexus
  • Phrenico-colic ligament-
    • Comes from diaphragm to splenic flexure of colon
    • Acts as a shell for spleen
    • It only supports the spleen
    • It is not attached to spleen
    • Prevents the downward enlargement of spleen towards the left iliac fossa
  • Costal/Diaphragmatic surface-
    • Corresponds to ribs 9, 10 and 11.
    • 10th rib forms the long axis of the spleen
  • Inferior border
  • Broad anterior end laterally placed towards mid axillary line
  • Flat surface should be inferiorly placed
  • Narrow posterior end
  • Medial end medially placed towards the midline
  • Visceral Relations-
    • Gastric impression
    • Renal impression-
    • Colic impression