Introduction tot he abdominal wall

Question 1

What does the abdominal wall do?

Answer 1

protects the contents of the abdominal cavity

-maintains the position of the VISCERA (organs)particularly the intestines

Question 2

What is the abdominal cavity bound by?

Answer 2

Superiorly-by the diaphragm

Posteriorly-by the LUMBAR vertebrae POSTERIRO WALL MUSCLES

Anteriorly- ANTERIOR WALL MUSCLES

Inferiorly-The abdominal cavity is CONTINUOUS with that of the pelvis inferiorly

Question 3

What lines the deep surface of the abdominal wall?

Answer 3

Strong layer of FASCIA+FAT

Question 4

Which muscles are important in flexing the lumbar spine, flexing the thigh at the hip and breathing?

Answer 4

Psoas Major and minor
Quadratus lumborum
iliacus

Question 5

Where does the anterior abdominal wall extend from?

Answer 5

The RIB CAGE and COSTAL MARGIN to the pelvis, where it is attached tot he ILIAC CREST LATERALLY, and the SUPERIOR SURFACE OF THE BODY OF THE PUBIC SYMPHYSIS MEDIALLY

Question 6

What is the inguinal ligament ?

Answer 6

Space between the anterior superior iliac and the pubic tubercle

Question 7

What is the flank considered part of?

Answer 7

The anterior abdominal wall

Question 8

From superficial to deep name what the flank is comprised of ?

Answer 8

External oblique
internal oblique
transversus abdominis muscles
(this is on both sides of the abdomen)

Anteriorly: RECTUS ABDOMINIS MUSCLES on either side of the midline

Question 9

What tendons are part of the flank?

Answer 9

APONEUROSES which extend medially to envelope the RECTUS ABDOMINALIS MUSCLES

Question 10

What is the nerve supply tot he abdominal wall?

Answer 10

SEGMENTAL-arising from spinal segmental arising from spinal segements(T7 to L1)

Question 11

What nerves supply which dermatome regions of the abdomen?

Answer 11

T7-supplies the skin int he Xiphosternal region(bottom of the sternum)

T10-supplies the umbilical region

T12-supplies the suprapubic region

Question 12

What is the inguinal canal?

Answer 12

canal through the inferior anterior abdominal wall

Question 13

What does the inguinal canal do?

Answer 13

in males-it allows the descent of the testes into the scrotum and transmits the spermatic cord

In female-transmits the round ligament of the uterus to the labia majora

Question 14

What diseases can occur in the inguinal canal?

Answer 14

INGUINAL HERNIA-abdominal contents breach the abdominal wall

Question 15

What do the anterior abdominal walls muscles do?

Answer 15

• flex and rotate the trunk
• compress the abdominopelvic cavity to generate high pressure within it (particularly the TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS but not just this muscle) whenever expulsive efforts e.g. coughing, sneezing, defecation, micturition and parturition

Question 16

What do the transversus abdominis muscles do?

Answer 16

stabilise the lumbar spine in activities such as heavy lifting

Question 17

What is involved in raising abdominopelvic pressure?

Answer 17

thoracic diaphragm and larynx, pelvic diaphragm

Question 18

What are the abdominal organs?

Answer 18

liver, pancreas, and the stomach

lower down is the intestine

Question 19

How long is the abdomen?

Answer 19

runs from the xiphisternum to the pubic symphysis= quite long

Question 20

What are the 9 regions that the abdomen is split into?

Answer 20

right side:

• right hyperchondriac
• right lumbar
• right iliac

Centre:

• epigastric
• umbilical
• hypogastric

Left side:
-left hypochondriac
-Left lumbar 
-left iliac
(same as the right side)

Question 21

What does the anterior wall comprise of?

Answer 21

• Rectus Abdominis

- Rectus sheath

Question 22

What does the the lateral wall comprise of?

Answer 22

3 muscles:
-external oblique
-inernal oblique
-transversus abdominis 
(from external to internal order)

Question 23

What does the posterior side of the abdominal wall comprise of?

Answer 23

• muscles lying anteriorly to the spinal column
• quadratus lumborum
• iliacus