Advanced Splenic Artery Quiz

Q1. Why can segmental splenic arterial anatomy permit partial splenectomy?

• The spleen receives no arterial blood
• The splenic vein supplies oxygenated blood
• All splenic branches form one unrestricted intraparenchymal plexus
• Terminal branches supply relatively distinct splenic vascular segments

Q2. Why is the pancreatic tail at risk during splenectomy?

• It lies close to the splenic vessels at the hilum
• It lies inside the gallbladder
• It is attached to the cecum
• It passes through the inguinal canal

Q3. Which arterial branch is particularly important for collateral supply along the greater curvature after interruption of one gastro-omental vessel?

• Anastomosis between renal and gonadal arteries
• Anastomosis between sigmoid and superior rectal arteries
• Anastomosis between left and right gastro-omental arteries
• Anastomosis between right and left colic arteries

Q4. Why can the gastric fundus be vulnerable if short gastric arteries are sacrificed and other gastric inflow is compromised?

• The fundus is supplied only by the IMA
• The fundus is normally avascular
• The short gastric arteries are important direct suppliers of the fundus
• The portal vein is its only blood supply

Q5. Which sequence correctly traces the usual arterial route from the abdominal aorta to the spleen?

• Aorta, IMA, left colic artery, splenic branches
• Aorta, celiac trunk, splenic artery, terminal splenic branches
• Aorta, renal artery, gonadal artery, splenic branches
• Aorta, SMA, middle colic artery, splenic branches

Q6. Why is splenic artery aneurysm clinically important in abdominal vascular anatomy?

• It directly causes sigmoid volvulus
• It always causes appendicitis
• It obstructs the urethra
• Rupture can cause major intra-abdominal hemorrhage

Q7. Which anatomical relationship is most important when surgically controlling the splenic artery near the pancreas?

• Its location within the sigmoid mesocolon
• Its course inside the renal pelvis
• Its passage through the femoral canal
• Its close course along the superior pancreatic border

Q8. What is the significance of limited anastomosis among terminal splenic branches?

• Every branch is immediately replaced by the IMA
• Branch occlusion can produce segmental splenic infarction
• It causes only gastric venous congestion
• Occlusion cannot affect the spleen

Q9. Which statement best describes variation of the splenic artery?

• It never gives pancreatic branches
• Its course and branching pattern can vary
• It always arises from the IMA
• It is identical in every individual

Q10. Why is knowledge of splenic arterial branches important during distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation?

• The spleen receives oxygen only from the portal vein
• Arterial anatomy is irrelevant to splenic preservation
• Splenic perfusion depends on preserving appropriate arterial inflow or collateral pathways
• The IMA always replaces the splenic artery