Left colic flexure
Flexura sinistra coli
- Latin synonym: Flexura splenica coli
- Synonym: Splenic flexure; Lienal flexure
Definition
The left colic flexure (a.k.a. the splenic flexure), is the sharp bend between the transverse colon and the descending colon. It is located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, inferior to the spleen and anterior to the upper part of the left kidney. The splenic flexure lies higher, is more acutely angled, and is less mobile than the hepatic flexure because it is supported by peritoneal folds, including the phrenicocolic ligament. It represents the junction between the midgut-derived transverse colon and the hindgut-derived descending colon.
References
Standring, S. (2015) Grays Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. London: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Chapter 66, Large intestine.
Omole AE, Mandiga P, Kahai P, et al. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Large Intestine. [Updated 2025 Apr 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470577/
