[Surgical anatomy of the spleen with special emphasis on its segmental architecture]

The authors have analyzed several aspects of the surgical anatomy of spleen, commencing with historical data, topography, peritoneal ligaments, variations in shape, embryology and accessory spleens and venous system of the spleen. The mode of splenic artery branching, variations of polar arteries, and intra- and extraparenchymatous arterial anastomoses were thoroughly analyzed. It was shown that the spleen in most cases consists of five vascular territories (segments) clearly demarcated from each other, stressing the practical significance of splenic anatomy in segmental dearterialization of the spleen.