Miltgebied

Miltgebied is a term used in Dutch anatomy and clinical medicine to denote the anatomical region surrounding the spleen (milt) in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. The region extends from the diaphragm superiorly down to the left upper abdomen near the lower rib cage, and laterally toward the midaxillary line. It includes the spleen itself and adjacent structures such as the stomach, the tail of the pancreas, the left kidney, and the peritoneal ligaments that suspend the spleen (gastrosplenic and splenorenal ligaments). The spleen lies intraperitoneally under the left hemidiaphragm and is supplied by the splenic artery, a branch of the celiac trunk, with venous drainage via the splenic vein to the portal system.

Functions of the spleen within the miltgebied include filtering blood, removing senescent red blood cells, and participating in immune responses through its white pulp. It also serves as a reservoir for platelets and participates in various hematologic processes.

Clinical relevance of the miltgebied centers on splenic pathology. Splenomegaly, splenic infarction, and splenic rupture after trauma are conditions that affect this region. Clinically, evaluation of the miltgebied involves palpation for splenic size and imaging to assess its size, shape, and integrity. Imaging modalities commonly used include ultrasound and computed tomography.

Terminology note: while miltgebied broadly refers to the region around the spleen, precise anatomical boundaries can vary among sources. The term is primarily used in Dutch-language medical texts and clinical notes to describe the spleen-related area.