Abdominal

Abdominal

The term "abdominal" refers to anything related to the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis. The abdomen houses many vital organs and structures, making it a central focus in medical studies and healthcare.

Anatomy of the Abdomen

The abdomen is a complex region that contains several important organs and structures. It is divided into different regions and quadrants to facilitate medical examination and diagnosis.

Regions and Quadrants

The abdomen is often divided into nine regions or four quadrants:

• Nine Regions: These include the right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac, right lumbar, umbilical, left lumbar, right iliac, hypogastric, and left iliac regions.
• Four Quadrants: These are the right upper quadrant (RUQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), and left lower quadrant (LLQ).

Organs within the Abdomen

The abdomen contains several major organs, including:

• Stomach: Part of the digestive system, responsible for breaking down food.
• Liver: A large organ that processes nutrients and detoxifies the blood.
• Gallbladder: Stores bile produced by the liver.
• Pancreas: Produces enzymes for digestion and hormones such as insulin.
• Spleen: Involved in filtering blood and immune system functions.
• Intestines: Includes the small intestine and large intestine, crucial for digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Kidneys: Filter blood to produce urine.

Functions of the Abdominal Organs

Each organ within the abdomen has specific functions that are vital to maintaining homeostasis and overall health.

• Digestive Function: The stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas play key roles in digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Detoxification: The liver detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs.
• Excretion: The kidneys filter waste products from the blood to form urine.
• Immune Function: The spleen helps fight infection and recycles old red blood cells.

Common Abdominal Conditions

Several medical conditions can affect the abdomen, including:

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, often requiring surgical removal.
• Gallstones: Hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain and blockages.
• Hernias: Occur when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A disorder affecting the large intestine, causing cramping, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.

Diagnostic Techniques

Medical professionals use various techniques to diagnose abdominal conditions, such as:

• Physical Examination: Palpation and auscultation to assess pain and abnormalities.
• Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI to visualize internal structures.
• Endoscopy: Inserting a camera into the digestive tract to examine the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Also see

• Digestive system
• Liver
• Kidney
• Appendicitis
• Hernia

Resources

Latest articles - Abdominal

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Abdominal for any updates.

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