Where is the spleen located anatomically?

left hypochondrium
The spleen is an organ shaped like a shoe that lies relative to the 9th and 11th ribs and is located in the left hypochondrium and partly in the epigastrium. Thus, the spleen is situated between the fundus of the stomach and the diaphragm.

Where do you feel pain if your spleen is enlarged?

You may not have any symptoms from an enlarged spleen. However, you may: Feel a kind of dull pain on the left side of the abdomen or in your back. Feel full early, so that you can eat only small amounts.

What region does the spleen lie in?

upper left quadrant
The spleen is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, under cover of the diaphragm and the ribcage – and therefore cannot normally be palpated on clinical examination (except when enlarged).

Where do you Auscultate the spleen?

If the spleen cannot be seen, the left upper quadrant should be auscultated during inspiration. Both the maneuvers of inspection and auscultation are most efficiently incorporated into the initial part of the entire abdominal examination.

How do you check your spleen?

Blood tests, such as a complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your system and liver function. Ultrasound or CT scan to help determine the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding other organs. MRI to trace blood flow through the spleen.

Is the spleen deep to the stomach?

To best depict the location of the spleen, we’ll describe its relations. The spleen is found in the left hypochondriac region of the abdomen (left upper quadrant). More precisely, the spleen is located posterior to the stomach and anterior to the left hemidiaphragm at the level of ribs 9-10.

What does a swollen spleen feel like?

A common symptom of an enlarged spleen is a feeling of pain or discomfort in the upper left side of abdomen, where the spleen is located. You might also experience a feeling of fullness after only eating a small amount. This usually happens when the spleen becomes enlarged to the point that it presses on the stomach.

How do you check your spleen size?

What aggravates spleen?

It is important to avoid foods that are “damp”: alcohol, fat, fast sugars and excessive quantities of dairy products — for example, “fromage blanc,” which has a moisture content of 80%. The spleen is sensitive to erratic eating habits and can be weakened by skipping breakfast, copious or late dinners, and snacking.

Where is the spleen located in the human body?

© 2014 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. The spleen is an organ in the upper far left part of the abdomen, to the left of the stomach. The spleen varies in size and shape between people, but it’s commonly fist-shaped, purple, and about 4 inches long.

How are red blood cells stored in the spleen?

It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there. The spleen also helps fight certain kinds of bacteria that cause pneumonia and meningitis.

Why is the spleen protected by the rib cage?

Because the spleen is protected by the rib cage, you can’t easily feel it unless it’s abnormally enlarged. The spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body. It acts as a filter for blood as part of the immune system. Old red blood cells are recycled in the spleen, and platelets and white blood cells are stored there.

How is the visceral surface of the spleen divided?

The visceral surface is divided into an anterior or gastric ridge and a posterior or renal portion. The splenic hilum is directed anteromedially. The splenic artery and vein emerge from the splenic hilum in the form of six or more branches; the splenic artery is remarkable for its large size and tortuosity.