Question:medium
Structure preventing vertical descent of spleen
Structure preventing vertical descent of spleen
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Phrenocolic ligament
- Hepatogastric ligament
- Ligamentum teres
- Ligamentum flavum
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The structure that prevents the vertical descent of the spleen is the $\text{Phrenocolic ligament}$ (also called sustentaculum lienis).
Anatomy of the Phrenocolic Ligament:
- Extends from the left colic (splenic) flexure to the thoracic diaphragm at the level of the 10th and 11th ribs
- Lies inferior to the spleen, forming a shelf or hammock that supports it
- Acts as a mechanical barrier preventing the spleen from descending in the abdomen
Additional splenic ligaments (for reference):
| Ligament | Connects | Role |
| Gastrosplenic | Stomach to spleen | Carries short gastric and left gastroepiploic vessels |
| Splenorenal | Spleen to left kidney | Carries splenic vessels and tail of pancreas |
| Phrenocolic | Splenic flexure to diaphragm | Prevents vertical descent of spleen |
Distractors:
- Hepatogastric ligament: part of lesser omentum, unrelated to spleen
- Ligamentum teres: remnant of umbilical vein in liver
- Ligamentum flavum: spinal ligament between vertebral laminae
\[\boxed{\text{Phrenocolic ligament}}\]
Anatomy of the Phrenocolic Ligament:
- Extends from the left colic (splenic) flexure to the thoracic diaphragm at the level of the 10th and 11th ribs
- Lies inferior to the spleen, forming a shelf or hammock that supports it
- Acts as a mechanical barrier preventing the spleen from descending in the abdomen
Additional splenic ligaments (for reference):
| Ligament | Connects | Role |
| Gastrosplenic | Stomach to spleen | Carries short gastric and left gastroepiploic vessels |
| Splenorenal | Spleen to left kidney | Carries splenic vessels and tail of pancreas |
| Phrenocolic | Splenic flexure to diaphragm | Prevents vertical descent of spleen |
Distractors:
- Hepatogastric ligament: part of lesser omentum, unrelated to spleen
- Ligamentum teres: remnant of umbilical vein in liver
- Ligamentum flavum: spinal ligament between vertebral laminae
\[\boxed{\text{Phrenocolic ligament}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0
