The Spleen

Question 1

What are some features of the spleen?

Answer 1

Intraperitoneal organ which plays a role in the defence system but is not essential to life

Question 2

On a ultrasound it is

Answer 2

1. Homogenous parenchyma
2. Smooth surfaces
3. Has a hilum

Question 3

What are the functions of the spleen?

Answer 3

1. Defence
2. Hematopoiesis
3. Filters out old RBC and platelets
4. Blood reservoir

Question 4

What does the spleen produce?

Answer 4

1. Lymphocytes
2. Phagocytes
3. Plasma cells
4. Antibodies

Question 5

What is the shape of the spleen?

Answer 5

Crescent or inverted comma

Question 6

What is the size of a normal spleen?

Answer 6

Around 12-13 cm in length

Question 7

Where is the spleen located in the regions method?

Answer 7

Left hypochondrium

Question 8

Where is the spleen located in the quadrant method?

Answer 8

Left upper quadrant

Question 9

Where is the hilum located?

Answer 9

Central on visceral surface, with no peritoneum at hilum

Question 10

What structures are landmarks for the hilum?

Answer 10

1. Splenic arteries
2. Splenic veins
3. Lymph vessels and nerves

Question 11

What is a splenic variant?

Answer 11

Accessory spleens or splenules

Question 12

How common is splenic variants found?

Answer 12

10% of normal population

Question 13

Where is the splenic variant found?

Answer 13

Often at the splenic hilum

Question 14

How large are the normal variants for splenic variants?

Answer 14

Around 1 cm or smaller