Spleen vs kidneys: how they differ, in 3D

Frequently asked questions

Do the spleen and the kidney touch?

Yes. Part of the inner surface of the spleen rests against the upper outer front of the left kidney, and the splenorenal ligament stretches between them.

Do the spleen and the kidneys both filter blood?

Yes, but in different ways. The spleen removes old red blood cells and foreign particles from the blood, and the kidneys filter waste and excess water out of the blood and send them out as urine.

Which lies behind the peritoneum, the spleen or the kidneys?

The kidneys. They are retroperitoneal organs against the back wall of the abdomen, while the spleen is almost completely wrapped in peritoneum.

What runs in the splenorenal ligament?

The splenic artery and vein, and the tail of the pancreas. The ligament is a fold of peritoneum stretched between the hilum of the spleen and the front of the left kidney.

Where are the adrenal glands in relation to the kidneys?

One sits on the upper end of each kidney. The right adrenal gland is triangular and the left is crescent-shaped.