Abdominal wall anatomy(Snell's Clinical Anatomy By Regions 10th Edition)

Question 1

Define the abdomen as a region?

Answer 1

This is a primarily soft tissue region,with little bony framework .
Therefore,an intact abdominal wall is essential for the support of the abdominal contents.

Question 2

What is the location of the abdomen?

Answer 2

The abdomen is the region of the trunk between:

(1) Above-the diaphragm
(2) Below-the pelvic inlet

Question 3

Discuss the clinical significance of the abdomen

Answer 3

(1)Common abdominal problems include:
1)Acute pain
2)Swellings
3)Trauma
-blunt
-penetrating
(2)These problems are complicated by the fact that the abdomen contains
multiple organ systems
(3)Further,the physician can feel many abdominal contents through the flexible
abdominal wall.
(4)Therefore,understanding the spatial relationship of the organs to one
another and to the abdominal wall is essential for accurate and complete
diagnosis.

Question 4

What is the function of the abdominal skeleton?

Answer 4

The structure of the abdominal skeleton provides:

(1) Attachment site for the abdominal wall muscles
(2) Limited support for abdominal organs
(3) Little protection for those organs

Question 5

What are the components of the abdominal skeleton?

Answer 5

The abdominal skeleton consists primarily of:

(1) Lumbar vertebrae
(2) Margins of the thoracic cage
(3) Iliac and pubic bones elements of the pelvis

Question 6

What are the landmarks of the lumbar vertebrae?

Answer 6

(1)Body
Features: 1)Size-massive
2)Shape-kidney shaped
Function:Bears the greater part of the body weight
Joints:Lumbosacral joint-the 5th lumbar vertebra articulates with the base
base of the sacrum at the lumbosacral joint.
(2)Transverse processes
(3)Intervertebral discs