3.2 The Abdominal Wall and Hernias Flashcards
Where do the abdominal muscles all aponeurose to?
The linea alba
Why are the antero-lateral muscles important?
For twisting, flexing and lateral folding
Increase intra-abdominal pressure during activities such as lifting
What is the rectus sheath?
Formed by the aponeuroses of the flat muscles to enclose the vertical muscles.
Name the 2 vertical muscles in the abdominal wall?
Rectus abdominis
Pyramidalis
What is the arcuate line?
The point at which all the aponeuroses move to the anterior wall of the rectus sheath. There is no posterior wall and the rectus abdominus is in direct contact with the transverse abdominis. It is found half way between the umbilicus and the pubic symphysis
What must a surgeon consider when making an incision?
Direction of muscle fibres
Location of nerves
Access to the desired tissue
Name two sites of weakness in the inferior abdominal wall
Internal (deep) inguinal ring
External (superficial) inguinal ring
What is the inguinal canal?
A hollow passage between the deep and superficial inguinal rings that is about 4cm long
Where does the inguinal canal lie?
Between the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall above the inguinal ligament
What is contained within the inguinal canal?
The spermatic cord in men and the round ligament of the uterus in women
What is a hernia?
A protrusion of part of the abdominal organ through a defect in the abdominal wall. The hernial sac will be covered in skin, subcutaneous tissue and abdominal muscles
What is an ‘indirect inguinal hernia’?
A viscus enters through the deep inguinal ring and moves through the inguinal canal before appearing in the scrotum or labium majora.
What is an ‘direct inguinal hernia’?
Enters the inguinal canal directly through the abdominal wall. It can be seen as a large bulge in the inguinal region.
What is a femoral hernia?
A hernia in the upper thigh medial to the femoral vein
What is a diaphragmatic hernia?
A developmental defect allows viscus to herniate into the chest
