Epigastric region

Epigastric region is an anatomical area located in the upper central region of the abdomen. It is one of the nine regions of the abdomen that are delineated by anatomists and physicians when examining the abdominal area. The epigastric region is bordered by the lumbar regions to the left and right, and by the subcostal plane and umbilical region below.

Anatomy

The epigastric region is located between the costal margins and the subcostal plane, which is approximately at the level of the first lumbar vertebra. It contains several important structures of the digestive and lymphatic systems.

Digestive System

The epigastric region contains part of the stomach, which is responsible for the initial stages of digestion. It also contains part of the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine where the majority of digestion and absorption occurs. The liver and gallbladder, which produce and store bile to aid in digestion, are also partially located in this region.

Lymphatic System

The lymph nodes and vessels in the epigastric region are part of the body's immune system. They filter lymph fluid to remove harmful substances and produce white blood cells to fight infections.

Clinical Significance

Pain or discomfort in the epigastric region can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, gallstones, and pancreatitis. It can also be a symptom of a heart condition, such as angina or a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

See Also

• Abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Digestive system
• Lymphatic system