Splenocolic ligament

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Splenocolic ligament
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Identifiers
Latin ligamentum splenocolicum
TA A10.1.02.210
FMA 76985
Anatomical terminology

The splenocolic ligament is a peritoneal ligament connecting the splenic capsule to the transverse colon. [1] Made of visceral peritoneum, it is a component of the greater omentum. [2] Despite being a ligament, it has sufficient vascularization that cutting it during surgery can lead to bleeding complications. [1]

Peritoneal ligaments are folds of peritoneum that are used to connect viscera to viscera or the abdominal wall.

Spleen internal organ in most vertebrate animals

The spleen is an organ found in virtually all vertebrates. Similar in structure to a large lymph node, it acts primarily as a blood filter. The word spleen comes from Ancient Greek σπλήν (splḗn).

Transverse colon

The transverse colon is the longest and most movable part of the colon. It crosses the abdomen from the ascending colon at the hepatic or right colic flexure with a downward convexity to the descending colon where it curves sharply on itself beneath the lower end of the spleen forming the splenic or left colic flexure. In its course, it describes an arch, the concavity of which is directed backward and a little upward. Toward its splenic end there is often an abrupt U-shaped curve which may descend lower than the main curve.

Of clinical relevance, one cause of exercise-induced pain in one's left side (a side stitch) is stretching of this ligament and the peritoneum when the spleen swells from exertion. [2]

Side stitch is an intense stabbing pain under the lower edge of the ribcage that occurs while exercising. It is also referred to as exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). Some people think that this abdominal pain may be caused by the internal organs pulling downwards on the diaphragm, but that hypothesis is inconsistent with its frequent occurrence during swimming, which involves almost no downward force on these organs. If the pain is present only when exercising and is completely absent at rest, in an otherwise healthy person, it does not require investigation.

Footnotes

  1. 1 2 Wood et al. 2010, p. 611
  2. 1 2 Ross 2006, p. 218

Related Research Articles

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Peritoneum serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity or the coelom—it covers most of the intra-abdominal (or coelomic) organs—in amniotes and some invertebrates

The peritoneum is the serous membrane forming the lining of the abdominal cavity or coelom in amniotes and some invertebrates, such as annelids. It covers most of the intra-abdominal organs, and is composed of a layer of mesothelium supported by a thin layer of connective tissue. This peritoneal lining of the cavity supports many of the abdominal organs and serves as a conduit for their blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves.

Abdominal cavity

The abdominal cavity is a large body cavity in humans and many other animals that contains many organs. It is a part of the abdominopelvic cavity. It is located below the thoracic cavity, and above the pelvic cavity. Its dome-shaped roof is the thoracic diaphragm, a thin sheet of muscle under the lungs, and its floor is the pelvic inlet, opening into the pelvis.

Peritonitis inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the inner wall of the abdomen

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the inner wall of the abdomen and cover of the abdominal organs. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling of the abdomen, fever, or weight loss. One part or the entire abdomen may be tender. Complications may include shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Knee joint between the thigh and lower leg

In humans and other primates, the knee joins the thigh with the leg and consists of two joints: one between the femur and tibia, and one between the femur and patella. It is the largest joint in the human body. The knee is a modified hinge joint, which permits flexion and extension as well as slight internal and external rotation. The knee is vulnerable to injury and to the development of osteoarthritis.

Posterior cruciate ligament

The posterior cruciate ligament is one of the four major ligaments of the knee. It connects the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia to the medial condyle of the femur. This configuration allows the PCL to resist forces pushing the tibia posteriorly relative to the femur.

Mesentery human organ

The mesentery is a contiguous set of tissues that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall in humans and is formed by the double fold of peritoneum. It helps in storing fat and allowing blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves to supply the intestines, among other functions.

Lesser omentum

The lesser omentum is the double layer of peritoneum that extends from the liver to the lesser curvature of the stomach and the first part of the duodenum.

Falciform ligament

The falciform ligament is a ligament that attaches the liver to the anterior (ventral) body wall, and separates the liver into the right lobe and left lobe. The falciform ligament, from Latin, meaning 'sickle-shaped', is a broad and thin fold of peritoneum, its base being directed downward and backward and its apex upward and backward. The falciform ligament droops down from the hilum of the liver.

Greater omentum

The greater omentum is a large apron-like fold of visceral peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach. It extends from the greater curvature of the stomach, passing in front of the small intestines and doubles back to ascend to the transverse colon before reaching to the posterior abdominal wall. The greater omentum is larger than the lesser omentum, which hangs down from the liver to the lesser curvature. The common anatomical term "epiploic" derives from "epiploon", from the Greek epipleein, meaning to float or sail on, since the greater omentum appears to float on the surface of the intestines. It is the first structure observed when the abdominal cavity is opened anteriorly.

Broad ligament of the uterus

The broad ligament of the uterus is the wide fold of peritoneum that connects the sides of the uterus to the walls and floor of the pelvis.

Suspensory ligament of ovary

The suspensory ligament of the ovary, also infundibulopelvic ligament, is a fold of peritoneum that extends out from the ovary to the wall of the pelvis.

Fibular collateral ligament fibular collateral ligament

The fibular collateral ligament is a ligament located on the lateral (outer) side of the knee, and thus belongs to the extrinsic knee ligaments and posterolateral corner of the knee.

Ligament of head of femur ligament located in the hip

In human anatomy, the ligament of the head of the femur is a ligament located in the hip. It is triangular in shape and somewhat flattened. The ligament is implanted by its apex into the antero-superior part of the fovea capitis femoris and its base is attached by two bands, one into either side of the acetabular notch, and between these bony attachments it blends with the transverse ligament.

Phrenicocolic ligament

A fold of peritoneum, the phrenicocolic ligament is continued from the left colic flexure to the thoracic diaphragm opposite the tenth and eleventh ribs; it passes below and serves to support the spleen, and therefore has received the name of sustentaculum lienis.

Coronary ligament

The coronary ligament of the liver refers to parts of the peritoneal reflections that hold the liver to the inferior surface of the diaphragm.

Omental foramen

In human anatomy, the omental foramen, is the passage of communication, or foramen, between the greater sac, and the lesser sac.

Urogenital peritoneum

Urogenital peritoneum is a portion of the posterior abdominal peritoneum that is found below the linea terminalis.

Sigmoidocele refers to a condition where the sigmoid colon descends (prolapses) into the lower pelvic cavity. This can obstruct the rectum and cause symptoms of obstructed defecation.

The Modified Gibson incision is a transverse incision above the pubis, frequently used in gynecological and urological surgeries. This incision can be made on either side of the midline, but often on the left. It is started 3 cm above and parallel to the inguinal ligament and extended vertically 3 cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine up to the umbilicus. The modified Gibson incision allows proper access to the small bowel and pelvic organs and limited access to omentum. It is also possible to have tactile assessment of large bowel and subdiaphragmatic surfaces using this incision. This incision is preferred for lymph node dissection, as extra peritoneal approach of pelvic sidewall is possible. The inferior epigastric vessels and round ligament are ligated to provide easy exposure. If traction to the peritoneum is high, there is a chance for avulsion of the inferior mesenteric artery and inferior mesenteric vein.

References

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