Diaphragmatic Surface of the Spleen Flashcards

Review the convex diaphragmatic surface of the spleen, its rib and diaphragm relations, peritoneal covering, and clinical landmarks.

Card 1 of 20Question

What is the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen?

The smooth, convex external surface of the spleen facing the diaphragm.

In This Section

1. What is the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen?

The smooth, convex external surface of the spleen facing the diaphragm.

2. What is the characteristic shape of the splenic diaphragmatic surface?

It is broadly convex, conforming to the curvature of the diaphragm.

3. Which muscle lies immediately adjacent to the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen?

The left hemidiaphragm.

4. In which abdominal region is the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen located?

The left hypochondriac region.

5. Which ribs overlie the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen?

The left ninth, tenth, and eleventh ribs.

6. Along which rib is the long axis of the spleen typically aligned?

The left tenth rib.

7. What is the approximate vertebral extent of the splenic diaphragmatic surface?

Approximately T9 to T11.

8. Which thoracic structures separate the spleen from the left lung?

The diaphragm and pleural membranes.

9. Which pleural recess lies near the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen?

The left costodiaphragmatic recess.

10. What covers the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen?

Visceral peritoneum overlying the splenic fibrous capsule.

11. What type of tissue forms the fibrous capsule beneath the splenic peritoneum?

Dense connective tissue containing collagen and elastic fibers.

12. How does the diaphragmatic surface differ from the visceral surface of the spleen?

The diaphragmatic surface is smooth and convex, while the visceral surface bears organ impressions and the hilum.

13. Does the splenic hilum lie on the diaphragmatic surface?

No. The hilum is located on the visceral surface.

14. Which border separates the diaphragmatic and visceral surfaces superiorly?

The superior border of the spleen.

15. Which splenic border commonly contains notches near the diaphragmatic surface?

The superior border.

16. What movement affects the position of the splenic diaphragmatic surface during inspiration?

Descent of the diaphragm displaces the spleen inferiorly.

17. Why can fractures of the left lower ribs injure the spleen?

The ninth to eleventh ribs overlie the spleen and may transmit traumatic force to its diaphragmatic surface.

18. Why can splenic injury produce referred pain in the left shoulder?

Diaphragmatic irritation stimulates phrenic nerve afferents from C3 to C5, producing Kehr's sign.

19. Why must the spleen be considered during procedures near the left costodiaphragmatic recess?

Instruments extending below the diaphragm may penetrate the splenic diaphragmatic surface.

20. How does splenomegaly affect the position of the splenic diaphragmatic surface?

Enlargement may extend the spleen inferiorly and medially beyond its normal rib-covered position.