Stomach, Liver and Spleen - LO 7

7. Describe the location of the spleen and its spatial relationships with surrounding structures.

The spleen is located in the left upper quadrant (LUQ), is intraperitoneal, and has an abundant vascular supply as is evidenced by the caliber of the splenic a.

The spleen is spatially related to the following structures:

• • Inferior rib cage, particularly 9th and 10th ribs

  • Diaphragm

  • Tail of pancreas

  • L. kidney

  • Stomach

  • Transverse colon/L. colic flexure