The left colic flexure, or splenic flexure, is the sharp bend where the transverse colon turns down to become the descending colon. It lies higher and further back than the right flexure, near the lower pole of the spleen and the tail of the pancreas. It is attached to the diaphragm by the phrenicocolic ligament.
| Location | Left upper quadrant, below the spleen, in front of the left kidney and near the tail of the pancreas |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Superior and inferior mesenteric plexuses; Vagus and pelvic splanchnic nerves (transition zone) |
| Blood Supply | Left branch of the middle colic artery; Left colic artery; Marginal artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Connects the transverse and descending colon; its fixed position helps support the spleen from below.
The flexure lies at the border between the territories of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, joined only by the marginal artery, so it is a watershed zone prone to ischaemic colitis. Pulling on it during colonic surgery can tear the splenic capsule. Its acute angle can make colonoscopy difficult.
Reduced blood flow to the colon, often at the splenic flexure watershed, causing sudden left-sided pain and bloody diarrhoea in older people.
Colon cancer at the left flexure that frequently presents with obstruction.
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