GI Radiology > Spleen > Anatomy

Anatomy

    The spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body. It is located in the left subphrenic region between the fundus of the stomach and the diaphragm. Four structures contact the spleen:

      - the stomach medially

      - the left kidney inferiorly

      - the colon anteriorly

      - the pancreas, medially in contact with the splenic hilum

 

    The primary blood supply to the spleen is the splenic artery, which arises from the celiac trunk, and it enters the spleen through several of its branches through the hilum. The spleen is drained through the splenic vein, which joins the superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein.