Intermediate Diaphragmatic Surface of the Spleen Quiz

Q1. Which structure separates the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen from the left pleural cavity?

• Transverse mesocolon
• Diaphragm
• Lesser omentum
• Pancreatic neck

Q2. Why can lower left thoracic injury damage the spleen?

• The splenic hilum lies in the mediastinum
• The spleen lies within the thoracic cavity
• The spleen is attached to the sternum
• The spleen lies deep to the lower left ribs

Q3. How does respiration affect the position of the spleen?

• It remains completely fixed during breathing
• It ascends into the neck during inspiration
• It descends with the diaphragm during inspiration
• It rotates around the cecum

Q4. Which pleural region is most closely related to the spleen across the diaphragm?

• Right costomediastinal recess
• Right cervical pleura
• Anterior mediastinal pleura only
• Left costodiaphragmatic recess

Q5. Why does the diaphragmatic surface lack the distinct gastric, renal, colic, and pancreatic impressions?

• It is not covered by peritoneum
• It contains only vascular structures
• It faces the diaphragm rather than the abdominal viscera that form visceral impressions
• It lies inside the lung

Q6. Which feature helps distinguish the diaphragmatic surface from the visceral surface?

• Attachment of the common bile duct
• Presence of a pancreatic groove only
• Smooth convex contour without a hilum
• Presence of the splenic hilum

Q7. What is the relationship between the splenic diaphragmatic surface and the tenth rib?

• The splenic long axis roughly parallels the left tenth rib
• The spleen lies perpendicular to all ribs
• The tenth rib passes through the splenic hilum
• The spleen lies only below the twelfth rib

Q8. Which structure can be encountered superior to the diaphragm when approaching the spleen through the lower left thoracoabdominal region?

• Portal vein
• Left pleura
• Common bile duct
• Inferior mesenteric artery

Q9. Why is the diaphragmatic surface important on cross-sectional imaging?

• It helps orient the spleen relative to the diaphragm and left thoracic wall
• It marks the porta hepatis
• It identifies the pancreatic duct
• It defines the renal collecting system

Q10. What happens to the splenic diaphragmatic surface when the spleen enlarges substantially?

• It becomes confined to the mediastinum
• It can extend inferomedially below the left costal margin
• It moves into the right pleural cavity
• It enters the urinary bladder