The term abdominal refers to anything related to the abdomen, the part of the body that lies between the chest (thorax) and pelvis. The abdomen contains several vital organs, including those involved in digestion, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, as well as others like the kidneys and spleen. It is enclosed by the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm above, and it connects to the pelvic cavity below.
Anatomy of the Abdomen
Location
The abdomen is the central region of the trunk in humans and many animals. It is bounded by:
- The diaphragm (superiorly), separating it from the thoracic cavity.
- The pelvic brim (inferiorly), where it transitions into the pelvic cavity.
- The vertebral column (posteriorly).
- The abdominal wall muscles (anteriorly and laterally).
Regions
The abdomen is often divided into nine regions or four quadrants for clinical and anatomical purposes:
- Nine Regions:
- Right hypochondrium, epigastrium, left hypochondrium.
- Right lumbar, umbilical, left lumbar.
- Right iliac, hypogastrium, left iliac.
- Four Quadrants:
- Right upper quadrant (RUQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), left lower quadrant (LLQ).
Function
The abdominal region houses organs responsible for:
- Digestion and absorption: Stomach, intestines, pancreas, and liver.
- Excretion: Kidneys and bladder.
- Immune function: Spleen.
- Metabolic processes: Liver and pancreas.
Clinical Significance
- Abdominal pain: A common symptom that can arise from issues within the abdomen or other areas of the body (e.g., referred pain).
- Abdominal surgery: Common procedures include appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and hernia repair.
- Medical imaging: Techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI are frequently used for diagnosing abdominal conditions.