Abdomen Flashcards
Bones for abdomen
The primary bony structures associated with the abdomen include:
1. Lumbar Vertebrae: The lower back consists of five lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5), which provide support and flexibility to the trunk.
2. Pelvis: The bony pelvis is formed by the fusion of the ilium, ischium, and pubis, providing a base for the vertebral column and supporting the abdominal organs
abdominal muscles
The abdominal muscles can be categorized into several groups based on their location and function:
1. Rectus Abdominis: This muscle runs vertically along the front of the abdomen and is responsible for flexing the vertebral column.
2. External Oblique Muscles: These muscles are located on the sides of the abdomen and help in trunk rotation and lateral flexion.
3. Internal Oblique Muscles: Situated beneath the external obliques, they assist in the same functions.
4. Transversus Abdominis: The deepest abdominal muscle, it helps in compressing the abdominal contents.
5. Posterior Abdominal Wall Muscles: This includes muscles like the psoas major and quadratus lumborum, which play a role in stabilizing the lumbar spine and facilitating movement.
Joints for abdomen
While the abdomen itself does not have specific joints, it is associated with:
1. Lumbosacral Joint: The joint between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum, allowing for movement and stability.
2. Sacrococcygeal Joint: The joint between the sacrum and coccyx.
Ligaments for abdomen
Several ligaments provide support and stability to the abdominal region:
1. Inguinal Ligament: Extends from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle, forming the base of the inguinal canal.
2. Fascia Transversalis: A layer of connective tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and provides support to the abdominal muscles
Blood Vessels for abdomen
The abdominal region is supplied by various major blood vessels:
1. Abdominal Aorta: The main artery supplying blood to the abdomen, which branches into several arteries, including:
- Celiac Trunk: Supplies the liver, stomach, and spleen.
- Superior Mesenteric Artery: Supplies the small intestine and part of the large intestine.
- Inferior Mesenteric Artery: Supplies the distal part of the large intestine.
2. Inferior Vena Cava: Drains deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart.
Nerves for abdomen
The abdominal region is innervated by several important nerves:
1. Lumbar Plexus: Formed by the ventral rami of lumbar spinal nerves (L1-L4), it innervates the abdominal wall and some of the pelvic structures.
2. Thoracoabdominal Nerves: These are extensions of the lower thoracic nerves (T7-T11) that innervate the abdominal muscles and skin.
3. Iliohypogastric and Ilioinguinal Nerves: Branches of the lumbar plexus that provide sensory and motor innervation to the lower abdominal wall