A woman has a fracture of the left tenth and eleventh ribs. The organ most likely to get injured by these fractured ribs is
**Core Concept**
The tenth and eleventh ribs are located in the lower posterior chest wall, near the diaphragm and abdominal organs. The diaphragm separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, and its dome is closely related to the lower ribs.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The spleen is the organ most likely to be injured by fractured ribs 10 and 11. This is because the spleen is located under the diaphragm, near the lower posterior ribs, and its position makes it vulnerable to injury from rib fractures in this area. The spleen is a highly vascular organ, and even minor trauma can cause significant bleeding.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** The liver is located in the upper right abdominal quadrant, and its position is not closely related to the lower posterior ribs. While the liver can be injured by blunt trauma, it is less likely to be injured by fractured ribs 10 and 11.
* **Option B:** The stomach is located in the upper abdominal cavity, and its position is not closely related to the lower posterior ribs. While the stomach can be injured by blunt trauma, it is less likely to be injured by fractured ribs 10 and 11.
* **Option C:** The small intestine is a long, thin tube that is located in the abdominal cavity, and its position is not closely related to the lower posterior ribs. While the small intestine can be injured by blunt trauma, it is less likely to be injured by fractured ribs 10 and 11.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The spleen is the most commonly injured organ in cases of blunt trauma to the lower chest wall, particularly when the tenth and eleventh ribs are fractured.
**Correct Answer:** C. The spleen.