Gastrosplenic ligament

Gastrosplenic Ligament

The Gastrosplenic Ligament (pronunciation: gas-tro-splee-nic lig-a-ment) is a fold of peritoneum that connects the stomach and the spleen.

Etymology

The term 'Gastrosplenic' is derived from two Greek words: 'gastro' meaning stomach, and 'splenic' referring to the spleen. 'Ligament' is derived from the Latin word 'ligamentum' which means 'a band'.

Anatomy

The Gastrosplenic Ligament extends from the greater curvature of the stomach to the hilum of the spleen. It contains short gastric vessels and the left gastroepiploic vessels. It is part of the greater omentum and is in continuity with the gastrocolic ligament.

Function

The primary function of the Gastrosplenic Ligament is to hold the spleen in place, preventing it from moving too far from the stomach. It also carries blood vessels to and from the spleen.

Related Terms

Peritoneum: The serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs.
Stomach: The internal organ in which the major part of the digestion of food occurs.
Spleen: An organ involved in the production and removal of blood cells in most vertebrates and forming part of the immune system.
Gastrocolic Ligament: A portion of the greater omentum that connects the stomach and the transverse colon.