THE SPLEEN 



1309 



of the ribs. Although it is separated from the ribs by the peritoneum, the diaphragm, and the 

 left pleural cavity (cephaUcally also by the left lung) (figs. 1065, 1066), the ribs sometimes make 

 impressions upon it. 



The gastric surface [facies gastrica] is a semilunar-shaped surface, concave 

 cephalo-caudally and from side to side, which looks ventrally to the right and 

 somewhat caudally (figs. 1062, 1065, 1066). Nearly parallel with the dorsal 

 boundary of this surface is a narrow depression usually formed by a series of pits, 

 as a rule six or eight, which together form the hilus of the spleen [hilus lienis]. 

 In this situation the vessels and nerves enter and leave the spleen, the vein being 

 dorsal. 



When the stomach is distended it is in contact with the major part of the gastric surface, 

 the left flexure of the colon forming an impression upon a small area near the caudal extrernity 

 and the tail of the pancreas, as a rule, resting against a narrow area dorsal to the hilus or just 



Fig. 1066. — Sagittal Section through the Left Side of the Body, Showing the 

 Relations of the Spleen. IX, X, XI, XII, corresponding ribs. 1, Left kidney; 2, spleen; 3, 

 pancreas; 4, splenic vessels ; 5, transverse colon; 6, stomach; 7, left lobe of liver; 12, lung; 14, heart; 

 16, diaphragm. (Testut and Jacob.) 



^■P 



cephalic to the colon. When the stomach is empty and contracted andjthe colon distended the 

 size of the gastric area is considerably decreased and the relative size of the colic impression 

 greatly increased so as to form upon the spleen in this situation a colic or basal surface (fig. 

 1063). The stomach is, however, at all times in contact with some part of the spleen. 



The renal surface [facies renahs] the smallest of the three surfaces, shorter as 

 well as narrower than the gastric surface, is an oblong, fiat or slightly concave 

 area, which faces dorsally, to the right and slightly caudally. It is in relation 

 with the anterior surface of the left kidney (fig. 1066). 



In some cases the cephahc third of the renal surface is also in relation with the anterior sur- 

 face of the suprarenal gland. It is separated from these latter structures, however, by the renal 

 adipose capsule as well as by the peritoneum. The tail of the pancreas in some cases is in con- 

 tact with a small area on the ventral part of this surface. In fat individuals these relations are 

 not as intimate as the relations with other organs because of the large amount of suprarenal 

 fat. 



The anterior border [margo anterior] is clearly defined, thin, sharp, and more or 

 less convex. It is marked in over 90 per cent, of the cases by one or more trans- 

 verse or oblique notches, especially in its cephalic part. It is placed between the 



