anterior abdominal wall Flashcards
What is the abdomen?
The abdomen is the part of the trunk between the thorax and pelvis.
How are the thoracic and abdominal cavities separated?
They are separated physically by the diaphragm.
Are the abdominal and pelvic cavities separate?
No, they are continuous with each other.
What is the boundary between the abdominal and pelvic cavities called?
The pelvic inlet, which is an imaginary plane.
What is the structure of the abdominal cavity anterolaterally?
It is musculo-aponeurotic.
What functions does the musculo-aponeurotic structure provide?
Protection, flexibility, and distensibility required for respiration, posture, and locomotion.
Why is the distensibility of the abdominal cavity important?
It accommodates expansions caused by ingestion, pregnancy, and other factors.
Up to which intercostal space can the abdominal cavity extend superiorly?
Up to the 4th intercostal space.
Which organs are protected by the thoracic cage?
The more superiorly located abdominal organs.
How is the abdominal cavity subdivided?
It is subdivided into nine regions to describe the location of organs, pain, or pathologies
What are the four planes used to delineate the nine abdominal regions?
- Two vertical midclavicular lines.
- One superior horizontal subcostal plane.
- One inferior horizontal transtubercular plane.
Where do the midclavicular lines pass?
From the midpoint of the clavicles to the midinguinal points.
Where does the subcostal plane pass?
Through the inferior border of the 10th costal cartilage on each side.
Where does the transtubercular plane pass?
Through the iliac tubercles and the body of the L5 vertebra.
What are the nine abdominal regions?
What additional landmarks do clinicians use to establish the abdominal regions?
- Two vertical semilunar lines.
- One superior horizontal transpyloric plane.
- One inferior horizontal interspinous plane.
Where do the semilunar lines run?
Parallel to the lateral edges of the rectus sheath.
Where is the transpyloric plane located?
Roughly midway between the superior margin of the manubrium and the pubic symphysis, at the L1 vertebral level.
What does the transpyloric plane transect when the patient is lying down?
The pylorus of the stomach.
Where does the interspinous plane pass?
Through the anterior superior iliac spines.
How is the abdominal cavity divided for general descriptions?
Into four quadrants.
What planes are used to divide the abdomen into quadrants?
The horizontal transumbilical plane.
The vertical median plane.
Where does the transumbilical plane pass?
Through the umbilicus, typically at the L3/L4 intervertebral disc.
Where does the median plane pass?
Longitudinally through the body.