The posterior abdominal wall Flashcards
What are the bones associated with the posterior abdominal region?
Lumbar vertebrae (L1-5), Iliac crest, Ribs 11-12, Iliac fossa, Sacral ala, and promontory.
What are the muscles present in the posterior abdominal region?
Psoas major, Psoas minor (if present), Quadratus lumborum, Diaphragm, Iliacus.
What is the significance of the psoas muscle in the posterior abdominal region?
The psoas muscle is the deepest muscle in this region and can be involved in conditions such as psoas abscess or tuberculosis (TB) infection, as it can serve as a site of transmitted infection.
What is the role of the iliacus muscle in the posterior abdominal region?
The iliacus muscle is located in the iliac fossa and is involved in flexing and stabilizing the hip joint.
What are the structures associated with the diaphragm in the posterior abdominal region?
The diaphragm has various associations:
T8: Inferior vena cava (IVC), right phrenic nerve.
T10: Esophagus, vagal trunks.
T12: Aorta, thoracic duct, azygos vein.
Medial arcuate ligament: Sympathetic trunks.
Crura: Splanchnic nerves, hemiazygos vein.
Psoas major
Origin: Lateral surface of bodies of T12 and L1-L5 vertebrae, transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae, and the intervertebral discs between T12 and L1-L5 vertebrae.
Insertion: Lesser trochanter of the femur.
Innervation: Anterior rami of L1 to L3.
Action: Flexion of thigh at the hip joint.
Psoas minor
Origin: Lateral surface of bodies of T12 and L1 vertebrae and the intervening intervertebral disc.
Insertion: Pectineal line of the pelvic brim and iliopubic eminence.
Innervation: Anterior rami of L1.
Action: Weak flexion of the lumbar vertebral column.
Quadratus lumborum
Origin: Transverse process of L1-L4 vertebrae, iliolumbar ligament, and iliac crest.
Insertion: Transverse processes of LI-LIV vertebrae and the inferior border of rib XII.
Innervation: Anterior rami of T12 and L1-L4.
Action: Depress and stabilize rib XII and contribute to some lateral bending of the trunk.
Iliacus
Origin: Upper two-thirds of the iliac fossa, anterior sacroiliac and iliolumbar ligaments, and the upper lateral surface of the sacrum.
Insertion: Lesser trochanter of the femur.
Innervation: Femoral nerve (L2-L4).
Action: Flexion of thigh at the hip joint.
Diaphragm
Origin: Xiphoid process, costal margin, ribs XI and XII, and vertebrae LI-LIII.
Insertion: Central tendon.
Innervation: Phrenic nerve (C3-C5), Intercostal nerves (T5-T12).
Action: Respiration - active during inspiration, passive during expiration.
What are the three layers of the thoracolumbar fascia?
The three layers of the thoracolumbar fascia are the anterior layer, middle layer, and posterior layer.
What forms the medial arcuate ligaments?
The psoas fascia thickens superiorly to form the medial arcuate ligaments.
Which muscle does the iliac fascia overlay?
The iliac fascia overlays the iliacus muscle.
What muscle is covered by the middle layer of the thoracolumbar fascia?
The middle layer of the thoracolumbar fascia covers the erector spinae muscles.
What is the superficial covering of the erector spinae muscles?
The posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia is the superficial covering of the erector spinae muscles.
What is the pathway of the ureters in relation to the Psoas major muscle?
The ureters travel over the anterior surface of the Psoas major muscle, from lateral to medial.
What is the role of the diaphragm in the posterior abdominal region?
The diaphragm, which separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities, is an important muscle involved in respiration. It contributes to the boundary of the posterior abdominal region.
What is the pathway of the ureters in relation to the Psoas major muscle?
The ureters travel over the anterior surface of the Psoas major muscle, from lateral to medial.
What are the three constrictions along the course of the ureters?
The three constrictions along the course of the ureters are the pelviureteric junction (PUJ), pelvic brim (passes over common iliac vessel bifurcation), and vesicoureteric junction (VUJ) through the detrusor muscle of the bladder.
What potential constrictions can occur in males and females along the ureter pathway?
In males, the ureter may be constricted by the crossing ductus deferens (superior to the ureter). In females, the crossing uterine artery can potentially cause constriction of the ureter in the true pelvic cavity.
What is the clinical significance of the ureter obstruction?
Obstruction of the ureter, often caused by renal calculi (kidney stones), can lead to various clinical issues and symptoms.
What is the location of the aortic hiatus?
The aortic hiatus is located at the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12).
Name the three unpaired visceral branches arising from the abdominal aorta.
The three unpaired visceral branches arising from the abdominal aorta are the coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery.
Which arteries are considered as paired visceral branches of the abdominal aorta?
The paired visceral branches of the abdominal aorta include the renal arteries, gonadal arteries, and middle adrenal arteries.