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anatomy q - parmida
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08-02-2006, 09:05 PM
A patient presented with a swollen spleen, which protruded medially toward the umbilicus in the abdomen. A vertical and downward expansion of the spleen was resisted by the:
Tail of the pancreas Left colic flexure Left kidney Left renal artery Stomach
08-03-2006, 05:24 AM
The correct answer is: Left colic flexure
The left colic flexure, also called the splenic flexure, is the point where the colon takes a sharp downward turn. This flexure is the point where the transverse colon ends and the descending colon begins. It is located immediately inferior to the spleen, so an enlarged spleen must move medially to avoid this colic flexure. The stomach lies medial to the speen, and the tail of the pancreas inserts into the hilum of the spleen. These organs would not prevent the spleen from descending inferiorly. The kidney and left renal artery are retroperitoneal organs; they would not obstruct movement of the spleen |
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