Where is the spleen located in the abdomen?

Where is the spleen located in the abdomen?

The spleen is found in the left hypochondriac region of the abdomen (left upper quadrant). More precisely, the spleen is located posterior to the stomach and anterior to the left hemidiaphragm at the level of ribs 9-10.

Which kidney is medial to the spleen?

Medial to the spleen is the left kidney; superior is the diaphragm, while inferiorly it rests directly on the left colic flexure (splenic flexure).

What is the marginal zone of the spleen?

The parenchyma of the spleen is divided into two functionally and morphologically distinct compartments (red pulp and white pulp) divided by a tissue layer called the marginal zone. Outside the marginal zone is the perifollicular zone which contains sheathed capillaries and blood-filled spaces without endothelial lining.

What are the septae of the spleen?

At the level of the hilum, the capsule splits into several septae called trabeculae which penetrate into the parenchyma of the spleen and partly divide its tissue. Normal spleen histology (diagram). Like every other organ, the spleen consists of stroma and parenchyma.

What are the 3 borders of the spleen?

The spleen has three borders (superior, inferior, and anterior) as well as two extremities (anterior and posterior). The superior border bounds the gastric area, the inferior border bounds the renal area and the anterior border bounds the colic area.

Is the spleen completely covered by the peritoneum?

It is almost completely covered by peritoneum except the hilum where the vessels and nerves pass through. A healthy, non-enlarged spleen does not extend beyond the rib cage and, thus, is not palpable. In newborns it has a rather lobulated structure which may persist until adulthood.

What innervates the spleen?

The spleen is innervated by autonomic nerves from the celiac plexus, which supply the spleen with both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. These nerves form the splenic plexus which reaches the splenic hilum traveling along the splenic artery and its branches. The spleen is a secondary lymphoid organ.