gastrosplenic

Gastrosplenic refers to structures associated with the stomach and spleen. In anatomy, the gastrosplenic ligament is a peritoneal fold that connects the greater curvature of the stomach to the hilum of the spleen. It is considered part of the greater omentum and lies between these organs as a conduit for vessels and lymphatics.

The ligament contains important vessels, including the short gastric arteries (branches of the splenic artery) and the left gastroepiploic artery, which supply the fundus and the upper part of the greater curvature of the stomach. These vessels form a vascular pedicle within the gastrosplenic ligament and are clinically significant during abdominal surgery.

Clinically, the gastrosplenic ligament is a common surgical landmark. During procedures such as splenectomy or gastrectomy, the ligament is divided to mobilize the spleen or stomach, and the short gastric and left gastroepiploic vessels must be carefully controlled to prevent hemorrhage and unintended devascularization of stomach tissue. Injury or division of this region can contribute to postoperative complications or complicate trauma management.

The gastrosplenic structure is one of the key peritoneal connections of the spleen, contrasted with others such as the splenorenal ligament. Understanding these relationships aids in surgical planning and in the interpretation of abdominal imaging.

Etymology: from gastros (stomach) and splen (spleen).