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    Related Topics

    From Digestive System

    Tongue
    Muscular organ aiding in taste, speech, and food manipulation.
    Teniae Coli
    Longitudinal muscle bands of colon.
    Fundus
    Upper curved portion of the stomach.
    Ileocecal Valve
    Controls flow from ileum to cecum.
    Transverse Colon
    Horizontal part of the colon.
    Common Bile Duct
    Conveys bile from liver and gallbladder to duodenum.
    Abdomen
    The abdomen is the body region between the chest and pelvis housing vital digestive, metabolic, and excretory organs, protected by muscular and peritoneal layers.
    Upper Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle ring that controls entry into the esophagus.
    Uvula
    Dangling soft tissue at the back of the soft palate.
    Cecum
    First part of large intestine.
    Neck of Pancreas
    Short section between head and body.
    Laryngopharynx
    Lower part of pharynx leading to esophagus.
    Body of Pancreas
    Central elongated portion of pancreas.
    Ileum
    Final and longest portion of the small intestine.
    Main Pancreatic Duct
    Primary duct draining pancreatic juices.
    Pyloric Sphincter
    Regulates passage of chyme from stomach to duodenum.
    Lips
    Fleshy borders of the mouth that aid in speech and food intake.
    Ligamentum Venosum
    Remnant of ductus venosus in liver.
    Abdominal Cavity
    The abdominal cavity is the largest body cavity, housing vital digestive and excretory organs, lined by the peritoneum and essential for protection, metabolism, and organ movement.
    Sublingual Glands
    Salivary glands beneath the tongue.
    Mesentery
    Fold of peritoneum anchoring intestines.
    Quadrate Lobe
    Small lobe located between gallbladder and round ligament.
    Palatine Tonsils
    Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
    Epiploic Appendages
    Fat-filled pouches attached to colon.
    Cardia
    Upper opening of the stomach.

    Splenic Flexure

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Bend between transverse and descending colon.

    Overview

    The splenic flexure, also known as the left colic flexure, is a sharp bend in the colon where the transverse colon transitions into the descending colon. It marks a key anatomical and physiological transition point in the large intestine, associated with changes in blood supply and innervation. It is named for its proximity to the spleen.

    Location

    The splenic flexure is located in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the abdomen. More specifically, it:

    • Lies beneath the spleen, near the tip of the 9th or 10th rib

    • Is positioned posterior to the stomach and anterior to the left kidney

    • Marks the junction between the midgut and hindgut embryologically

    It is more superior and sharply angled than the right (hepatic) flexure, making it more fixed and less mobile.

    Structure

    The splenic flexure is structurally a continuation of the colonic wall but has unique anatomical considerations:

    • Serosal covering: Intraperitoneal, suspended by the phrenicocolic ligament and adjacent to the splenocolic ligament

    • Wall layers: Mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa—consistent with the rest of the colon

    • Vascular supply: Dual blood supply from both the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) via the middle colic branch and the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) via the left colic branch

    • Lymphatic drainage: Drains into the inferior mesenteric and para-aortic lymph nodes

    Function

    The splenic flexure contributes to the colon’s overall function of:

    • Transporting fecal material: Facilitates the transition of intestinal contents from the transverse colon to the descending colon

    • Absorption: Continues absorption of water, electrolytes, and vitamins produced by colonic bacteria

    • Fermentation: Supports microbial fermentation of undigested material

    Physiological Role(s)

    Though not functionally distinct, the splenic flexure plays roles in:

    • Segmental contraction: Assists in forming and moving feces via haustral and mass movements

    • Transitional physiology: Reflects a shift in autonomic innervation—from vagus nerve (midgut) to pelvic splanchnic nerves (hindgut)

    • Vascular watershed area: Located at the border of SMA and IMA territories, making it vulnerable to ischemia

    Clinical Significance

    The splenic flexure is clinically important for several reasons:

    • Ischemic colitis: It is a known “watershed area” with reduced collateral circulation, making it susceptible to ischemia during hypoperfusion states

    • Splenic flexure syndrome: A functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by bloating, cramping, and left upper quadrant pain due to trapped gas or colonic spasm

    • Colorectal cancer: Tumors may arise at the splenic flexure and are often more challenging surgically due to the sharp angle and dual blood supply

    • Endoscopic navigation: The flexure may be difficult to pass during colonoscopy due to its fixed and angulated position

    • Referred pain: Disorders here may cause referred pain to the left upper abdomen or back

    Imaging studies such as CT, barium enema, and colonoscopy help evaluate pathology at the splenic flexure. Awareness of its vascular vulnerability and fixed location is essential in both medical and surgical gastroenterology.

    Did you know? The process of digestion starts in the mouth, where enzymes in saliva begin breaking down food.