Visceral surface of spleen

Opposite to the diaphragmatic surface of the spleen is the visceral surface of the spleen, that is divided by a ridge into two regions: an anterior gastric portion, and a posterior renal portion:

• The gastric surface (gastric impression of spleen) is directed forward, upward, and toward the middle, is broad and concave, and is in contact with the posterior wall of the stomach and the left colic flexure to form the colic impression of the spleen. Below this, the spleen is in contact with the tail of the pancreas, forming the pancreatic impression of spleen. On the gastric surface is located the hilum of the spleen, the point of attachment for the gastrosplenic ligament, and the point of insertion for the splenic artery and splenic vein.

• The renal surface (renal impression of spleen) is directed medialward and downward. It is somewhat flattened, considerably narrower than the gastric surface, and is in relation with the upper part of the anterior surface of the left kidney and occasionally with the left adrenal gland.