Abdominal Wall

Question 1

What are the three types of Abdominopelvic splanchnic nn.?

Answer 1

• Greater splanchnic nn.: T5-9
• Lesser splanchnic nn.: T10-11
• Least splanchnic nn.: T12

Question 2

What are the functions of the 3 flat abdominal muscles?

Answer 2

Flexion and rotation of trunk

Question 3

What is the function of the 1 vertical abdominal muscle?

Answer 3

Flexion of trunk; Tilt pelvis

Question 4

The aponeurosis of which abdominal muscle is split between the anterior and posterior rectus sheath SUPERIOR to the umbilicus?

Answer 4

Internal oblique (External oblique is anterior, Tranversus Abdominis is posterior)

Question 5

Which fascia is the only layer of protection of the posterior abdominal wall inferior to the arcuate line?

Answer 5

Tranversalis fascia (IO, EO, and TA are all anterior to the Rectus Abdominis inferior to the umbilicus)

Question 6

Why is it clinically significant that the rectus sheath is only composed of transversals fascia inferior to the umbilicus?

Answer 6

Point of weakness - susceptible to herniation

Question 7

Between which two muscles do the nerves pass in the abdomen?

Answer 7

Internal Oblique and Transversus Abdominis

Question 8

What is the inguinal ligament a continuation of, and what are the origin points?

Answer 8

External Oblique aponeurosis - from ASIS to pubic tubercle

Question 9

What structures are found in the gubernaculum in males?

Answer 9

• Spermatic cord
• Ilioinguinal n.
• Genital branch of genitofemoral n.

Question 10

Which three fascial layers make up the spermatic cord and from what abdominal muscles do they originate?

Answer 10

1. External spermatic fascia: from EO (deepest)
2. Cremasteric fascia/muscle: from IO
3. Internal spermatic fascia: from Transversals fascia (most superficial)

Question 11

What structures are found in the gubernaculum in females?

Answer 11

• Round ligament of uterus
• Ilioinguinal n.
• Genital branch of genitofemoral n.

Question 12

What three things make up the inguinal triangle? What is the clinical correlation to this area?

Answer 12

• Rectus Abdominis
• Inferior epigastric vessels
• Inguinal ligament
  Weak area that is at risk for direct herniation

Question 13

Compare direct herniation versus indirect herniation

Answer 13

• Direct hernia: pushes through abdominal fascia at the inguinal triangle; less common
• Indirect hernia: pushes through the inguinal ring (enters at deep ring) - intestinal loop may descend into scrotum; more common

Question 14

What are the two regions of lymphatic drainage from the abdominal wall?

Answer 14

• Superior to umbilicus: axillary nodes

- Inferior to umbilicus: superficial inguinal nodes