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    Related Topics

    From Digestive System

    Common Bile Duct
    Conveys bile from liver and gallbladder to duodenum.
    Laryngopharynx
    Lower part of pharynx leading to esophagus.
    Upper Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle ring that controls entry into the esophagus.
    Greater Omentum
    Fatty fold of peritoneum covering intestines.
    Neck of Pancreas
    Short section between head and body.
    Fundus
    Upper curved portion of the stomach.
    Lower Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle at the junction of esophagus and stomach.
    Cystic Duct
    Connects gallbladder to common bile duct.
    Soft Palate
    Muscular posterior part of the roof of the mouth.
    Liver
    Largest gland in the body with roles in metabolism and bile production.
    Mesocolon
    Peritoneal fold attaching colon to posterior wall.
    Hard Palate
    Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
    Body of Pancreas
    Central elongated portion of pancreas.
    Oral Cavity
    Entry point of the digestive system; includes teeth, tongue, and salivary openings.
    Common Hepatic Duct
    Carries bile from liver to bile duct.
    Main Pancreatic Duct
    Primary duct draining pancreatic juices.
    Pyloric Sphincter
    Regulates passage of chyme from stomach to duodenum.
    Parotid Glands
    Largest salivary glands located near the ear.
    Palatine Tonsils
    Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
    Duodenal Bulb
    Initial section of duodenum closest to the stomach.
    Pancreas
    Gland with both endocrine and exocrine functions.
    Sublingual Glands
    Salivary glands beneath the tongue.
    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.
    Internal Anal Sphincter
    Involuntary muscle around anal canal.
    Peritoneum
    Serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity.

    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 liver is the largest internal organ and performs over 500 functions in the body.