Introduction to the Abdomen Flashcards
What are the superior and inferior boundaries of the abdominal cavity?
The respiratory diaphragm and the pelvic inlet.
The abdomen can be divided into 4 quadrants using which 2 planes?
The median sagittal plane and the umbilical plane.
List the names for planes L1-L5.
L1 - Transpyloric plane
L2 - Subcostal plane
L4 -Supracristal plane
L5 - Transtubercular plane
Which 2 horizontal planes divide the abdomen into 9 regions?
The Subcostal plane (L2) and Transtubercular plane (L5).
List the regions in the 9 region model.
- Epigastric
- Umbilical
- Pubic
- Left Hypochondrium
- Left Lateral
- Left Iliac Fossa
- Right Hypochondrium
- Right Lateral
- Right Iliac Fossa
What is a dermatome?
An area of skin which is given sensation to and innervated by a single spinal nerve.
Which dermatome sits over the umbilicus?
T10.
What is the name of the strap muscle on the front of the abdomen?
Rectus Abdominis
What are the layers of the abdominal wall going from superficial to deep?
Skin Camper's fascia Scarpa's fascia Muscles and aponeuroses Transversalis fascia Parietal peritoneum
What is the inguinal ligament formed by?
The free lower border of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle.
Where does the Inguinal ligament run from and to?
Runs from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the pubic tubercle.
Going from superior to deep, what are the side muscles of the abdominal wall?
- External oblique
- Internal oblique
- Transversus abdominis
What are the attachment points of the linea alba?
The xiphoid process of the sternum and the pubic symphysis.
What is the rectus sheath?
A fibrous jacket formed by the aponeuroses of the external and internal obliques, and the transversus abdominis.
How does the rectus sheath differ in the top 3/4 of the abdominal wall compared to the bottom 1/4 (below the umbilicus)?
The top 3/4 has the rectus sheath enclosing the rectus abdominis (it is in front and behind it), whereas below the umbilicus the rectus sheath sits entirely anterior to the rectus abdominis - only the transversalis fascia sits posterior to the rectus abdominis below the umbilicus.