The gastrosplenic ligament (also known as the ligamentum gastrosplenicum or gastrolienal ligament) is part of the greater omentum extending between the stomach and the spleen. It contains several blood vessels.

Structure

The gastrosplenic ligament consists of visceral peritoneum. It is continuous with the fibrous capsule of the spleen, the greater omentum, and the serosal lining of the stomach. It extends between the greater curvature of stomach and the hilum of the spleen.

Contents

It contains the short gastric artery and vein, and the left gastroepiploic artery and vein.

Development

Embryonically, the gastrosplenic ligament is derived from the dorsal mesogastrium.

Clinical significance

Gastrosplenic ligament entrapment

Small intestine may loop through a perforation in the gastrosplenic ligament, ending lateral to the spleen and stomach. This is known as gastrosplenic ligament entrapment, and is usually caused by abdominal trauma. This is corrected with surgery.