Splenic flexure

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Splenic flexure
Colorectal anatomy
(the splenic flexure is labeled at upper right).
Front of abdomen, showing surface markings for liver, stomach, duodenum, pancreas, colon
(the left colic flexure is labeled at upper right).
Latin Flexura coli sinistra, flexura splenica
Gray's subject #249 1180
Precursor Hindgut

The splenic (or left colic) flexure is a sharp bend between the transverse and the descending colon in the left upper quadrant of humans. The left colic flexure is near the spleen, and hence called the splenic flexure. There are two colic flexures in the transverse colon the other being the hepatic flexure, as it is next to the liver, in the right upper quadrant. The splenic flexure is a watershed region as it receives dual blood supply from the terminal branches of the superior mesenteric artery and the inferior mesenteric artery, thus making it prone to ischemic damage in cases of hypotension because it does not have its own primary source of blood.[1]

Additional images

See also

Splenic flexure syndrome

References

  1. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, 2011 Edition, p.311

External links


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