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Anatomy: Abdomen - Spleen

Anatomy and Physiology12 CardsCreated about 2 months ago

These flashcards describe the spleen, the largest lymphatic organ and the most vulnerable abdominal organ, located in the left hypochondrium. It plays key roles both prenatally (hematopoiesis) and postnatally (immune response, blood filtration, and iron recycling). While it has a fibroelastic capsule that allows for blood storage and release, it is not a vital organ. Anatomical highlights include its position near ribs 9–11, association with the left colic flexure, and entry/exit of vessels at the splenic hilum.

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most vulnerable abdominal organ:

spleen

(left hypochondrium = protection of lower thoracic cage)

most frequently injured

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Key Terms

Term
Definition

most vulnerable abdominal organ:

spleen

(left hypochondrium = protection of lower thoracic cage)

largest lymphatic organ:

spleen

(lymphocyte (WBC) proliferation + immune surveillance/respon

Functions of the spleen:

(pre- & postnatally)

Prenatally: hematopoietic (blood-forming) organ

Postnatally:

Spleen has a relatively delicate fibroelastic capsule, entirely surrounded by peritoneum except for…?


splenic hilum

splenic branches of the splenic artery + vein enter/...

location of spleen:

  • rests on Left Colic Felxure

  • associated posteriorly with left 9...

The large size of the splenic artery (or vein) indicates what about the organ?

the volume of blood that passes through the spleen’s capillaries and sinuses

  • no...

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Anatomy: Abdomen - Spleen
TermDefinition

most vulnerable abdominal organ:

spleen

(left hypochondrium = protection of lower thoracic cage)

most frequently injured

largest lymphatic organ:

spleen

(lymphocyte (WBC) proliferation + immune surveillance/respon

Functions of the spleen:

(pre- & postnatally)

Prenatally: hematopoietic (blood-forming) organ

Postnatally: identifying, removing, + destroying old RBCs & broken-down platelets; recycling iron + globin

useful, but NOT a vital organ

Spleen has a relatively delicate fibroelastic capsule, entirely surrounded by peritoneum except for…?


splenic hilum

splenic branches of the splenic artery + vein enter/leave

location of spleen:

  • rests on Left Colic Felxure

  • associated posteriorly with left 9th - 11th ribs; separated by diaphragm + costodiaphragmatic recess

  • varies in size, weight, + shape;

normally: approx. 12 cm long, 7 cm wide (weighs 7 ounces)

The large size of the splenic artery (or vein) indicates what about the organ?

the volume of blood that passes through the spleen’s capillaries and sinuses

  • normally contains large quantity of blood

  • expelled periodically into circulation by action of smooth muscle in its capsule + trabeculae

Splenic capsule:

  • dense, irregular, fibroelastic connective tissue

(can expand + contract)

  • capsule is thickened at the splenic hilum

  • Internal trabeculae (deep aspect of the capsule) carry blood vessels to/from the parenchyma (splenic pulp) = substance of the spleen

Splenic Rupture:

causes:

  • punctures by fractured rib (left 9th-12th)

  • sudden, marked increase in intra-abdominal pressure = thin capsule + overlying peritoneum of spleen burst

- rupture = intraperitoneal hemorrhage and shock

Splenectomy


  • **Sub-total (partial) splenectomy: **(when possible); followed by rapid regeneration

- total splenectomy: (usually no serious effects); most functions are assumed by other reticuloendothelial organs (e.g., the liver and bone marrow)

  • greater susceptibility to certain bacterial infections

CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE SPLEEN MUST BE REMOVED:

Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia:

  • Spleen recognizes RBC as foreign bodies and attacks them

Splenomegaly

spleen is diseased (ex. granulocytic leukemia) may enlarge 10X or more its normal size

  • sometimes accompanies hypertension

  • occurs in some forms of hemolytic or granulocytic anemias (RBCs or WBCs destroyed at abnormally high rates); splenectomy may be life-saving

  • not usually palpable in the adult; if it is, enlarged 3x

Accessory Spleen(s)

  • common (10%) + usually small

  • 1+ small accessory spleens may form near splenic hilum

  • embedded partly or wholly in tail of pancreas (b/t layers of gastrosplenic ligament, in infracolic compartment in mesentery, or in close proximity to ovary or testis)

  • if not removed during splenectomy, symptoms that indicated removal of the spleen (e.g., splenic anemia) may persist

Splenic Needle Biopsy + Splenoportography

relationship of the costodiaphragmatic recess to the spleen is clinically important

  • *potential space descends to level of 10th rib in midaxillary line

  • keep in mind for needle biopsy, or injecting radiopaque material into spleen for visualization of the portal vein (splenoportography)

  • material may enter the pleural cavity, causing pleuritis

inject below rib 10 level