The Spleen

• In the supracolic compartment of the abdominal cavity:
• left hypochondrium,
• mid-axillary line,
• related to ribs 9, 10, 11.
• Its long axis corresponds to that of the 10 th rib.

Borders of spleen

• Superior pole
• Inferior pole
• Anterior border
• Posterior border

There are two surfaces;

Diaphragmatic surface:

• fits into the concavity of the diaphragm opposite ribs 9, 10, and 11.
  
  
• The costo diaphragmatic recess intervenes between.
  
  
• The lungs and pleura are important relations.

The visceral surface is related to the following organs:

• Left kidney
• Left supra renal gland
• Splenic flexure of colon
  
• Stomach anteriorly
• Tail of pancreas
  
  

• covered by peritoneum except at hilum

• Gastrosplenic ligament  (Contains short gastric vessels)
  
  
• Splenorenal ligament (Contains splenic vessels)

Blood supply

• The splenic artery divides into five or more segmental branches which enter the hilum.
  
  
• The splenic vein starts as 5-6 tributaries in the hilum of the spleen.
  
  
• It joins with superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein.

Lymphatics end in the pancreatico-splenic lymph nodes.

• Innervated by vagus nerve
• Greater splanchnic through celiac plexus