Chapter 22 - The Abdomen Flashcards
What forms the ventral abdominal wall?
four layers of large, flat muscles
Linea Alba
tendinous seam that joins the abdominal muscles
Rectus Abdominis
muscle strip extending the length of the midline
Role of Abdominal Muscles
protect and hold organs in place, flex vertebral column
Viscera
internal organs in the abdominal cavity
Solid Viscera
those that maintain a characteristic shape (liver, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, ovaries, uterus)
Where is the liver?
fills most of the RUQ and extends over midclavicular line
Which organs can be palpable?
-lower edge of liver
-right kidney
-ovaries
Hollow Viscera
shape depends on contents (stomach, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, bladder)
When can hollow viscera be palpable?
with distention
Where is the stomach located?
just below diaphragm, between liver and spleen
Where is the small intestine located?
in all four quadrants
Spleen
soft mass of lymphatic tissue on posterolateral wall of abdominal cavity
Pancreas
soft, lobulated gland behind the stomach that stretched into the LUQ
Where are the kidneys?
behind the abdominal contents
Costovertebral Angle
angle formed by the twelfth ribs and vertebral column
Which kidney rests lower? Why?
right kidney is 1-2cm lower due to placement of the livers
Epigastric Region
area between costal margins
Umbilical Region
area around the umbilicus
Hypogastric (suprapubic) region
area above the pubic bone
Where are the following organs located: liver, gallbladder, duodenum, head of pancreas, right kidney and adrenal gland, hepatic flexure of colon, parts of ascending and transverse colon?
right upper quadrant
Where are the following organs located: stomach, spleen, left lobe of liver, body of pancreas, left kidney and adrenal gland, splenic flexure of colon, parts of transverse and descending colon?
left upper quadrant
Where are the following organs located: cecum, appendix, right ovary and fallopian tube, right ureter, right spermatic cord?
right lower quadrant
Where are the following organs located: part of descending colon, sigmoid colon, left ovary and fallopian tube, left ureter, left spermatic cord?
left lower quadrant
Where are the following organs found: aorta, uterus, bladder?
midline
Umbilical cord in newborns contains:
two arteries and one vein
Which organ in newborns takes up more space in the abdomen than later in life?
liver
Can the liver be palpated in healthy infants?
yes, 0.5-2.5cm below right costal margin
Which organ is located higher in newborns than adults?
urinary bladder - between symphysis and umbilicus
Why are organs in little kids easier to palpate?
abdominal wall is less muscular
Why are children under age 1 at increased risk for dehydration?
their small body weight and high turnover of water and electrolytes
Signs of dehydration in young kids:
altered responsiveness, sunken eyes, tachycardia, tachypnea, reduced skin turgor
What is an early sign of pregnancy?
N&V - “morning sickness”
When does morning sickness usually start?
between first and second missed periods
Why is acid reflux more common in pregnant women?
progesterone relaxes smooth muscle which prolongs gastric emptying time and increased GI motility
Why are pregnant women at higher risk of constipation?
decreased motility = more water reabsorbed
What can lead to hemorrhoid formation in pregnant women?
-constipation
-increased venous pressure in lower pelvis
Where do pregnant women experience appendicitis pain?
RLQ
Can you hear bowel sounds in pregnant women?
usually no or they are much quieter