MEDICAL DICTIONARY

Table of Contents

Abdominopelvic

The abdominopelvic region refers to the continuous cavity that encompasses both the abdominal and pelvic cavities. It is a major anatomical and physiological space within the body that houses vital organs involved in processes such as digestion, excretion, and reproduction. The abdominopelvic cavity is located below the diaphragm and extends to the pelvic floor.

Anatomy

The abdominopelvic cavity is divided into:

  • Abdominal Cavity:
    • Located above the pelvic brim.
    • Contains digestive organs (stomach, liver, intestines, pancreas), the spleen, kidneys, and adrenal glands.
  • Pelvic Cavity:
    • Located below the pelvic brim.
    • Contains the urinary bladder, rectum, reproductive organs, and lower portions of the intestines.

Boundaries

  • Superior Boundary: The diaphragm separates the abdominopelvic cavity from the thoracic cavity.
  • Inferior Boundary: The pelvic floor forms the lower boundary.
  • Anterior and Lateral Boundaries: Abdominal and pelvic muscles and bones (such as the pubic symphysis).
  • Posterior Boundary: The vertebral column and back muscles.

Subdivisions

The abdominopelvic cavity is often divided into specific regions or quadrants to assist in medical examination and diagnosis:

Quadrants (used in clinical practice)

  • Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ): Liver, gallbladder, right kidney, part of the large intestine.
  • Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ): Stomach, spleen, pancreas, left kidney, part of the large intestine.
  • Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ): Appendix, part of the small intestine, right ureter, right ovary (in females).
  • Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ): Part of the small intestine, left ureter, left ovary (in females).

Nine Regions (used in anatomical study)

  • Epigastric
  • Right and left hypochondriac
  • Umbilical
  • Right and left lumbar
  • Hypogastric (suprapubic)
  • Right and left iliac (inguinal)

Contents of the Abdominopelvic Cavity

  • Digestive System: Stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.
  • Urinary System: Kidneys, ureters, bladder.
  • Reproductive System: Uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes (in females); prostate, seminal vesicles (in males).
  • Circulatory and Lymphatic Structures: Abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, lymph nodes, and mesenteric vessels.

Clinical Significance

  • Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum, the serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic cavity.
  • Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the abdominopelvic cavity, often related to liver disease or malignancy.
  • Hernias: Protrusions of organs or tissues into abnormal locations within or outside the abdominopelvic cavity.
  • Abdominopelvic Trauma: Injuries to the abdominal and pelvic organs can result from accidents or direct impacts.
  • Pregnancy: In pregnant women, the uterus expands significantly within the abdominopelvic cavity.

Imaging and Diagnostics

  • Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging commonly used to visualize the organs within the abdominopelvic cavity.
  • CT (Computed Tomography): Provides cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis to detect abnormalities.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used to evaluate soft tissue structures and detect tumors or infections.
References
  1. Gray, H. (1918). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Medicine and Surgery.
  2. Standring, S. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st Edition.
  3. Moore, K. L., & Dalley, A. F. (2018). Clinically Oriented Anatomy.
  4. Wikipedia contributors. “Abdominopelvic cavity.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.