Lateral Reference of the Splenic Posterior Extremity

Description

Oriented from a lateral perspective, the spleen is shown at its posterior extremity, emphasizing the dorsal pole that corresponds to the superior end (extremitas posterior) in standard anatomical description. The convex diaphragmatic surface curves laterally, while the visceral surface turns medially toward the gastric impression and the region of the splenic hilum, where the splenic artery and vein would enter and exit on the medial aspect. Superiorly, the splenic pole approaches the dome of the left hemidiaphragm; inferiorly it tapers toward the inferior pole along the posterolateral margin of the left upper quadrant. Relationships read cleanly in profile. A lateral reference of the posterior splenic pole matters because this is the part of the spleen that most often abuts the diaphragm and posterior thoracic wall, where pain can refer to the left shoulder (Kehr sign) when hemoperitoneum irritates the diaphragmatic pleura and peritoneum. It is also the segment most exposed in blunt trauma to the left lower thorax, and it is a common site of subcapsular hematoma or laceration in splenic injury grading. Clean orientation here helps trainees distinguish a capsular contour from the notched anterior border, which can be mistaken for a fissure on imaging. Use this illustration when you need a clear landmark view for gross anatomy teaching of the left upper quadrant, for trauma modules discussing splenic laceration patterns, or for atlas plates that require consistent labeling of poles, surfaces, and borders in Terminologia Anatomica. It also supports radiology and surgery content that ties splenic topography to diaphragmatic contact and posterior rib injury mechanisms. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.