The splenic-renal ligament is a very important anatomical structure that connects the spleen and kidney. It plays an important role in maintaining their position and functioning. In this article we will look at the basic anatomy and function of this ligament.
The splenic-renal ligament is a continuous formation that connects 6-7 costal cartilages to the diaphragm or posterior surface of the kidneys. This ligament consists of connective tissue covered on the inside by a capsule.
It is important to note that the ligament protects nearby organs from damage that can be caused by mechanical stress. For example, with injuries to the lumbar region, damage can cause damage to both the kidney and the spleen, but with the help of ligaments they do not harm each other. Anatomical position of the splenorenal ligament In men, the ligament is usually located higher than in women and covers the anterior surface of the kidney. However, women have a wider ligamentous apparatus around the uterus, more often it is absent altogether, so for them this area seems less protected. In addition, connective tissue with a tendency to delaminate makes it less strong and durable, increasing the possibility of rupture during pregnancy. Many women experience pain or discomfort in the ligament area after using tampons during childbirth. In addition, some studies have shown that the use of a catheter or transvaginal ultrasound may damage the splerenal ligament. It is also worth noting that with age, the ligament may lose its structure due to weakening of the connective tissue fibers. This means that in older people, the ligaments become less strong and are more likely to be damaged. Involution of the structure of the splenic apparatus The most pronounced changes in the structure of the ligamentous apparatus occur during puberty (from 12 to 16 years) and during menopause (a decrease in the level of estrogen in the body leads to a gradual withering of connective tissues). However, there are other factors that can influence the structure of ligamentous fibers (for example,