Visceral Surface of the Spleen

The visceral surface of the spleen is the concave, medial-facing side of the organ that lies in contact with surrounding abdominal viscera. Unlike the smooth diaphragmatic surface, the visceral surface features several distinct impressions formed by adjacent organs, as well as the splenic hilum, where vessels, lymphatics, and nerves enter or leave the spleen. This surface plays a crucial role in the spleen’s anatomical relations and surgical accessibility.

Structure

This surface is irregular, indented, and directed anteromedially. It includes the splenic hilum, through which the splenic artery, splenic vein, lymphatic vessels, and autonomic nerves pass. The visceral surface is covered by visceral peritoneum except at the hilum.

Key histological elements beneath the surface remain the same as the rest of the spleen:

• White pulp: Lymphoid tissue that surrounds arterioles, involved in immune response
• Red pulp: Consists of sinusoids and cords, involved in filtering and recycling blood cells

Location

The visceral surface lies anteromedially and contacts several abdominal structures. These contact points form identifiable impressions that help orient the spleen anatomically during imaging or dissection.

Function

While the visceral surface itself does not perform a unique function, its anatomical features contribute to the spleen’s overall role:

• Vascular gateway: The hilum serves as the entry and exit point for splenic vessels and nerves.
• Organ contact points: Establishes spatial and vascular relationships with adjacent organs (e.g., pancreas, stomach, colon).
• Structural orientation: The configuration of impressions helps maintain spleen positioning within the upper left abdomen.

Clinical Significance

The visceral surface holds major importance in clinical and surgical contexts:

• Splenic trauma: Injuries to the stomach, pancreas, or colon may involve or affect the spleen via direct contact with this surface.
• Splenic artery aneurysm: Typically occurs near the hilum; requires precise knowledge of visceral surface anatomy for intervention.
• Splenectomy: Dissection typically begins at the hilum on this surface to ligate vessels and remove the spleen safely.
• Pancreatic tail surgery: Procedures involving the pancreatic tail must consider its proximity to the visceral surface and hilum to avoid vascular injury.
• Infections and metastases: Pathologies from adjacent organs (e.g., gastric carcinoma, pancreatitis) may spread or affect the spleen via the visceral surface.

The visceral surface of the spleen is far more than just an internal face — it is the anatomical hub for vascular inflow/outflow and a key interface with multiple upper abdominal organs. A clear understanding of its impressions and hilum is essential for safe surgical access and radiologic interpretation.