Why is splenic artery a subject to erosion by penetrating ulcer of posterior wall of stomach into lesser sac ??
The splenic artery is subject to erosion by a penetrating ulcer of the posterior wall of the stomach into the lesser sac due to its anatomical position and relationship to the stomach.
To understand why this happens, let's start with some anatomy. The splenic artery is a major branch of the celiac trunk, a large blood vessel that supplies blood to various abdominal organs. It runs along the upper border of the pancreas towards the spleen, giving off multiple branches along the way.
The lesser sac, also known as the omental bursa, is a part of the peritoneal cavity in the abdominal cavity. It lies behind the stomach, and it's bordered by the lesser omentum (a double-layered peritoneal fold).
Now, let's explore how a penetrating ulcer of the posterior wall of the stomach can lead to erosion of the splenic artery:
1. Ulceration: An ulcer is a break or erosion in the lining of the stomach. In some cases, an ulcer can penetrate through the full thickness of the stomach wall, and if it occurs on the posterior wall (back wall) of the stomach, it can create a hole that connects the stomach to the lesser sac.
2. Lesser Sac: The lesser sac lies behind the stomach and is an extension of the peritoneal cavity. When a gastric ulcer perforates the posterior wall of the stomach, it creates a communication between the stomach and the lesser sac.
3. Proximity to the Splenic Artery: When the ulcer penetrates through the posterior wall of the stomach, the resulting hole or communication can expose the nearby structures. The splenic artery is located behind the stomach and runs in close proximity to the lesser sac.
4. Erosion: Over time, the acid and digestive enzymes from the stomach can erode the wall of the splenic artery, leading to potential rupture and subsequent hemorrhage. The close proximity of the eroded ulcer and the splenic artery increases the chances of erosion and bleeding.
In summary, when a gastric ulcer penetrates through the posterior wall of the stomach, it creates a hole that opens into the lesser sac. The close relationship between the lesser sac and the splenic artery puts the artery at risk of erosion by the acid and digestive enzymes from the stomach, potentially leading to bleeding and other complications.