ABDOMEN

Question 1

What two structures mark the top and bottom of the linear alba when the abdomen is split into 4 quadrants?

Answer 1

• Xyphoid process
• Pubic symphysis

Question 2

Name the 2 horizontal planes when the abdomen is split into 9 quadrants and what vertebral level they are at

Answer 2

• Transpyloric/ subcostal plane - L3
• Trans- tubercular plane - L5

Question 3

What is the mid-inginual point (3)

Answer 3

• The line between the superior anterior iliac spine and the pubic tubercle
• It is where the femoral pulse is palpated
• Where the external iliac artery leaves the abdomen and becomes the femoral artery

Question 4

What is McBurnley’s point? (3)

Answer 4

• 1/3 distance between umbilical point and the superior anterior iliac spine
• Pain in appendicitis moves down the spino-umbilical line which connects these two points
• The point is where the appendix joins the caecum

Question 5

What is the name of the line located one third of the way between the pubic symphysis and the umbilicus?

Answer 5

The arcuate line/ semicircular line of Douglas

Question 6

What does the aponeurosis do when the abdomens muscle is superior to the arcuate line?

Answer 6

The aponeurosis of the internal oblique splits and surrounds the rectus abdominis muscle. This forms the rectus sheath

Question 7

What does the aponeurosis do when the abdomens muscle is inferior to the arcuate line?

Answer 7

The aponeurosis of the internal oblique only goes around the rectus abdominis from the top and only covers the top. Posterior to the rectus abdominis muscle is only the transversals fascia

Question 8

Why is the arcuate line important?

Answer 8

It is a sign of weakness in the abdominal wall and is the site where the abdominal wall could herniate