Study of splenic notches in a human cadaver

In humans, spleen is one of the largest and single secondary lymphoid organ with high vascularity. The spleen develops from the mesoderm and during its development, different lobules are formed, which fuses with each other later on which is indicated in the form of the lobulations in adult spleen that can be seen on the superior as well as on the inferior borders. The study was done in the department of Anatomy of DM- Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences, Meppadi, Kerala and Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka. A total of 60 adult human cadaveric spleens were studied. Out of the 60 spleens observed, 57 (95%) spleen showed notches on the superior border, 2 (3.33%) spleen showed notches on the inferior border. 1 (1.67%) spleen did not show any nothes on both superior and inferior border. Splenomegaly is common in case of malaria, kalazar, typhoid, acute and chronic leukemias. In these common cases, the physician feels the notches of spleen on the superior border. It is essential for the surgeons and radiologists to become completely aware of anatomical variations that may help in accurate clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease